N-alkylamides of d(+)-carnitine having antibacterial activity, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing same

摘要

N-alkylamide or D(+)-carnitrine having general formula <IMAGE> (I) wherein X- is OH- or the anion of a pharmacologically acceptable acid (preferably Cl-), and R is a straight C10-C16 alkyl radical are prepared via transamination by reacting (D(+)-carnitinamide halogenide with an amine or formula NH2R wherein R has the above-identified meaning in an acid environment (e.g. H3PO4) in the presence of a high-boiling solvent (e.g. ethylene glycol). N-alkylamides (I) are endowed with potent anti-bacterial activity and are suitable for preparing pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions.