Decomposition of amitriptyline hydrochloride in aqueous solution: identification of decomposition products

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jps.2600640915

The decomposition of amitriptyline hydrochloride upon autoclaving in a buffered solution (pH 6.8) was investigated. Three major decomposition products [3 (propa 1,3 dienyl) 1,2:4,5 dibenzocyclohepta 1,4 diene, dibenzosuberone, and 3 (2 oxoethylidene) 1,2:4,5 dibenzocyclohepta 1,4 diene] were detected and identified by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Evidence is presented that the latter two compounds are formed by further oxidation of 3 (propa 1,3 dienyl) 1,2:4,5 dibenzocyclohepta 1,4 diene, and a possible decomposition pathway is outlined.