Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies of Forskolin Oxidation by Hexavalent Chromium, N-halosuccinimides, Ceric Ammonium Nitrate

The forskolin is a natural product, widely used as a herbal therapeutic agent. To diversify its bioactivity it was decided to oxidize by using a series of oxidants such as hexavalent chromium, N-halosuccinimides and ceric ammonium nitrate in dimethylformamide–perchloric acid and methanol–nitric acid medium at the range of 293–343 K. A pseudo first-order kinetic experimental conditions followed to investigate the reactive species involved, whether anionic or cationic species, free radical or hydride transfer mechanism occurs. It is assumed by varying the solvent and oxidant used for oxidation. For this instance, the thermodynamic properties are aided to better understand proper mechanism of oxidation. Finally, the derivative of oxidation process, its biological properties like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) are well discussed.