Glutathione monoesters.

Glutathione monoesters in which the glycine carboxyl group is esterified are effective cellular glutathione delivery agents because they are readily transported into cells and are deesterified intracellularly. In contrast, glutathione itself is not effectively transported into cells. Detailed procedures are given for the preparation of such esters from glutathione and the corresponding alcohol using hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid as the catalyst.