Proparacaine is the chief anesthetic compound used for minimally invasive eye-related surgeries. The dissociation of proparacaine in the aqueous solution of the eye yields an amino-ester functional group that has an antagonistic affinity toward the sodium channels in the eye. Upon hydrolysis of the proparacaine compound, a highly reactive carboxylic acid is formed as the tertiary amine group breaks away. This carboxylic acid is responsible for the highly corrosive nature of proparacaine and is exactly why it has the potential to cause irreversible damage to the eye if the recommended dose is not closely monitored. The purpose of this research is to carry out the first steps toward the final synthesis of alternative compounds with reduced acidity but increased functionality.

Inquiry into less harmful derivatives of proparacaine

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