title: Structural Examination of 6-Methylsulphonylphenanthro- [9,10-C]-furan-1(3H)-one-A Rofecoxib Degradation Product.
abstract: In the attempt to discover a new polymorph of rofecoxib (Vioxx®), an unexpected product resulted. The product was characterised by chemical composition, thermal behaviour and structure and found to be 6-methylsulphonylphenanthro-[9,10-C] furan-1(3H)-one, a photo-cyclization degradation product of rofecoxib. This is a significant finding because it indicates that without appropriate control of the recrystallisation procedures, the structural integrity of rofecoxib may be seriously compromised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia. pamela.dean@sci.monash.edu.au.
authors.forename: Pamela M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Dean
keywords: NSAID; crystallography; rofecoxib; structural characterisation