Oxidative degradation of 6-selenoguanosine in aqueous solutions.

The degradation of 6-selenoguanosine (NSC 137679) (I) in water and in various buffer systems was investigated. Drug degradation in aqueous media was monitored by high-pressure of I in various chromatography. Some kinetic aspects of the degradation of I in various buffer systems at 25 degrees also were studied spectrophotometrically. The degradation, which requires oxygen, involves autoxidation of I to the corresponding diselenide, which produces a selenide and metallic selenium in the presence of oxygen. This degradation pathway differs from that reported fro the oxidation of related thio compounds.