Nitriloxy derivatives of (R) and (S)-carnitine

Formula (I) compounds in optically active form with absolute configuration (R) or (S)

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• where
• Y is an OR or NR1R2 group with
• R equal to hydrogen, C1-C10 all or alkyl substituted with C6-C10 aryl, said aryl optionally carrying one or more C1-C4 alkyls;
• R1 and R2, equal or different from one another, are hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl or alkyl substituted with C6-C10 aryl, said aryl optionally carrying one or more C1-C4 aryls;
• or, taken together, form a 5-7 atom heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen atom;
• or Y is the residue of an esterified polyalcohol with at least one nitric acid equivalent;
• X− is the anion of a pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic acid,
• or, if Y is an OH group, the formula (I) product may exist in the form of an inner salt, i.e. with formula (II)
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• and their enantiomerically enriched mixtures.