Structural analysis of unstable norbixin isomers guided by pure shift nuclear magnetic resonance

We report the analysis of complex samples obtained during the microwave irradiation/heating of norbixin, which has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this context, identifying the different isomers that are obtained during its degradation is of primary importance. However, this characterization is challenging because, on the one hand, some of these isomers are unstable, and on the other hand, the H-1 spectra of these isomeric mixtures are poorly resolved. We could successfully apply 1D pure shift experiments to obtain ultrahigh-resolution H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the norbixin isomer samples and exploit their information content to analyze complementary 2D NMR data and describe accurately their isomeric composition.

Automated summary

This study reports the analysis of complex samples obtained from the microwave irradiation/heating of norbixin. Identifying the different isomers obtained during its degradation is of utmost importance. By utilizing 1D pure shift experiments and 2D NMR data analysis, the isomeric composition of norbixin samples was accurately described.