Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Difference in epimers?

Boba155 - 15-6-2011 at 19:55

Is there a difference in epimers biological effects?

For instance, I have 11β-PGE2. Will it have the same effects in vivo upon injection as normal PGE2?

If not, is there a way to convert an epimer to it's normal configuration? Or is this impossible.

Thanks!

phlogiston - 16-6-2011 at 12:56

In general yes, but for the specific prostaglandins that you mention, I have no idea.

The (dia)stereoisomers of most biologically relevant molecules that are chiral have very different biological effects.

Preparing a specific stereoisomer (be it from another isomer or from other precursors) may be easy or impossible depending on the molecule. What epimers are you interested in, specifically?

Boba155 - 16-6-2011 at 16:37

I'm actually looking to synthesize the biologically active forms of either PGE2 or PGA2.

I can start from scratch or from their epimers (11beta-PGE2 or 15beta-PGA2).

Any help or guides?