Influence of methoxy and nitro groups in the oxidative metabolism of naphtho[2,1-b]furan.

In the present study, we have investigated the role of methoxy and nitro groups in the oxidative metabolism of naphtho2,1-b]furan. Hepatic microsomes were used to investigate the aerobic metabolism of naphtho2,1-b]furan (compound A), 2-nitro-naphtho2,1-b]furan (compound B) and 7-methoxy-naphtho 2,1-b]furan (compound C) and comparison of the metabolites formed was made using HPCL analysis and NMR, mass and UV-visible spectrometry. The different metabolic pathways investigated were compared with the previously reported metabolism of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho2,1-b]furan (compound D). Naphtho2,1-b]furan yield metabolites of both the furan and benzene rings, while metabolites formed from 7-methoxy-naphtho2,1-b]furan and 2-nitro-naphtho 2,1-b]furan were derived entirely as a result of enzymic attack on the first benzene ring.