epi-Avermectin B1a is a base-catalysed intermediate in the decomposition of avermectin B1a. epi-Avermectin B1a is formed by epimerisation at the 2-position which ultimately rearranges irreversibly to the isomeric alkene analogue, Δ2-avermectin B1a. epi-Avermectin B1a is only very weakly active as a nematocide showing ~100-fold loss of biological activity compared with the parent avermectin. epi-Avermectin B1a is formed in vivo following treatment with avermectin and is an environmental degradation product.
| References | Base-catalyzed isomerization of avermectins. Pivnichny J.V. et al. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1988, 36, 826 Direct determination of avermectins in plasma at nanogram levels by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Pivnichny J.V. et al. J. Pharm. Sci. 1980, 72, 1447. |
