Racemization of chlorthalidone in the presence of liposomes

The extent of racemization of (+)-chlorthalidone as a function of pH is examined. The minimum of the log K/pH curve is pH 3. The reaction mechanism of inversion is postulated to involve a carbenium cation over the entire pH range and a ring opening reaction in the alkaline range. The influence of liposomes on the inversion rate is also studied, retardation of the racemization rate being observed with increasing liposome concentration. A model of drug distribution between liposome phase and aqueous phase based on the Nernst distribution principle is presented and reaction kinetic aspects are considered. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.