Metabolism of 4-(3-cyclohexylpropionyl)-1-(2-ethoxyphenyl) piperazine (D-16120) by rat liver microsomes.

The metabolic fate of central analgesic 4-(3-cyclohexylpropionyl)-1-(2-ethoxyphenyl) piperazine (D-16120), was studied in vitro with phenobarbital 3-methylcholanthrene and clofibrate induced rat liver microsomal fractions. The presence of four metabolites was directly or indirectly established. Biotransformation products were isolated by TLC and HPLC techniques and, when possible, the structures were confirmed through comparison with synthetic samples. The metabolic pathways involved are oxidative dealkylation, aromatic and alicyclic hydroxylation.