CHEMICAL DERIVATIVES AND METHODS FOR SYNTHESIZING AND COMPOUNDING CHEMICAL DERIVATIVES RELATED TO CAPSAICIN PALMITATE AND CAPSAICIN PRODRUGS

Capsaicin compositions and methods for enhancing hydrophobicity of a molecule useful for pharmaceutical applications, including: (1) a prodrug using a linker such as a carbamate between capsaicin with other structures in order to optimize kinetic control of capsaicin cleavage; (2) a prodrug using a linker such as an unsaturated carboxylic ester between capsaicin with other structures in order to optimize kinetic control of capsaicin cleavage; (3) esters of long-chain fatty acids and capsaicin where hydroxyl groups provide handles for attachment of additional capsaicin molecules; and (4) the use of carboxylic acid diesters to increase overall hydrophobicity of two or more covalently-linked capsaicin molecules. Formulations of palmitated esters of capsaicin are also described, which are designed to enhance hydrophobicity of a molecule useful for pharmaceutical applications, for example to provide compounded mixtures designed to optimize analgesic efficacy.