The metabolism of trans-sobrerol in the rat

The biotransformation of trans-sobrerol, a potent mucofluidifying agent, has been investigated in rat urine, bile and faeces after single p.o. and i.v. administration. The identification of the isolated metabolites was carried out by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry, n.m.r. and i.r. spectroscopy. The metabolic pathways involve oxidation of the allylic C (sp3) atoms, and mono-beta-glucuronylation of the secondary or tertiary alcoholic group. The mono-beta-glucuronides of sobrerol excreted in bile undergo enterohepatic circulation.