Choline Esters

Abstract

Compounds, formulations, and methods are provided containing the choline ester of a reducing agent, especially lipoic acid or derivatives thereof. The compounds may be administered via a topical ocular route to treat or prevent oxidative damage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A one-step method for preparing a choline ester of a reducing agent, comprising reacting the reducing agent with a halogenated choline in a reaction mixture. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the reducing agent is a lipoic acid or derivative of lipoic acid. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 32 , wherein the lipoic acid or derivative of lipoic acid is alpha lipoic acid, 6,8-dimercaptoctanoic acid, dihydrolipoate, 5-(1,2-thiaselenolan-5-yl)pentanoic acid or 5-(1,2-thiaselenolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the reacting reaction is conducted in a solvent. 
     
     
         35 . . The method according to  claim 34 , wherein the solvent is acetone or dimethyl formamide (DMF). 
     
     
         36 . The method according  claim 31 , wherein the reaction mixture further comprises a base. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of K 2 CO 3 , Cs 2 CO 3 , KF, NaHCO 3 , and KH 2 PO 4 . 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the base is present in an amount of about 1 to about 5 equivalents relative to the reducing agent. 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 38 , wherein the base is present in an amount of about 1 equivalent relative to the reducing agent.