[Formation of a structural isomer of platelet activating factor during acetylation of 1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine].

: In studying acetylation of 1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lyso PAF) with acetic anhydride, a key step of the platelet activating factor (PAF) synthesis, we have found that in the presence of triethylamine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine some 1-alkyl-3-acetyl-sn-glycero-2-phosphocholine as an admixture to PAF formed, whereas the acid catalysed reaction resulted in isomerically pure PAF. The mechanism of the reaction leading to the PAF structural isomer is discussed.