Actinometric and Φ-order photodegradation properties of anti-cancer Sunitinib

The photodegradation reaction of Sunitinib (SUT), occurring via Z-E photoisomerisation, has been evaluated in this study using the recently developed Φ-order kinetics. In ethanol, the forward (Z → E) photoreaction of SUT was invariant with irradiation (its quantum yield, Φ(E-->Z)(λ)(irr) ≈ 0.019) in contrast to the E → Z isomerisation whose Φ(E-->Z)(λ)(irr) undergoes a 30-fold, sigmoid-shaped, increase with increasing irradiation wavelength. This situation limited usefully the extent of Z-SUT photodegradation at the photostationary state to a maximum of c.a. 30% of the initial concentration. Nevertheless, these results support a strong recommendation for a complete protection of SUT from light at all stages. Furthermore, a SUT-actinometer was developed and was proven to be useful for the 320-480 nm spectral range. The latter wavelength interval defined as well SUT photodegradation causative range. The formalism of Φ-order kinetics proves to be a useful investigative tool for drugs' photodegradation studies.