Lin K T, Momparler R L, Rivard G E
J Pharm Sci. 1981 Nov;70(11):1228-32. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600701112.
The chemical stability of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (I) in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In alkaline solution, I underwent rapid reversible decomposition to N-(formylamidino)-N'-beta-D-2-deoxyribofuranosylurea (II), which decomposed irreversibly to form 1-beta-D-2'-deoxyribofuranosyl-3-guanylurea (III). The pseudo-first-order rate constants for this reaction were determined. The decomposition of I in alkaline solution was identical to that reported previously for the related analog, 5-aza-cytidine. However, in neutral solution (or water), there was a marked difference in the decomposition of I and 5-azacytidine. The same decomposition products were formed from 5-azacytidine in neutral solution as in alkaline solution. However, in neutral solution, I decomposed to II and three unknown compounds that were chromophoric at 254 nm. Compound I was most stable when stored in neutral solution at low temperature.
