Characterization of a Stable 2,2'-Azobis(2-Methylpropanenitrile) Degradant and Its Use to Monitor the Oxidative...

Azo compounds are commonly used to study radical-mediated degradation of pharmaceutical compounds. The favorable chemical and physical properties of 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile) (AIBN) have made it one of the most widely used compound for these type of studies. This article describes the characterization of a stable product, N-(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)-2-methylpropanamide, formed during the decomposition of AIBN. This product is easily detected by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and can serve as a marker to confirm the AIBN is working as intended and to monitor the kinetic formation of free radical species.