A novel approach to structure proof of glyceryl ether-containing glycerophospholipids. Base-catalyzed methanolysis of platelet-activating factor (AGEPC) at 60°C

A novel reaction was explored in which synthetic platelet-activating factor, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (AGEPC), upon treatment with 1 N NaOH in methanol at 60°C for 20 min, sequentially released the acetyl group, then the choline moiety with concomitant formation of the monomethyl ester of 1-O-alkyl-glycero-phosphoric acid. A mechanism is proposed in which a transient cyclic phosphate intermediate is formed and then attacked by a CH₃O moeity to yield a mixture of the sn-2 and sn-3 methyl esters. Proof of structure of the monomethyl ester derivative was achieved through the use of thin-layer chromatography, aluminum oxide chromatography, and examination of the trimethylsilyl derivative of the monomethyl ester by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Replacement of the acyl group on the 2 position with an ethyl or methyl residue completely prevented any attack by 1 N NaOH in methanol at 60°C. Sphingomyelin was not attacked and only acetate removal was noted with 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine under similar conditions. The significance of these findings as they relate to the influence of substituents on the chemical and biological reactivity of AGEPC is discussed.