QSAR Quantitative structure-activity distribution coefficients

Although traditional octanol/water distribution coefficients are still widely used in quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and in ADME/ pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, alternatives have been proposed. To cover the variability in biophysical characteristics of different membrane types, a set of four solvents has been suggested - sometimes called the critical quartet [49-51], The 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE)/water system has been promoted as a good alternative to alkane/water due to its far better dissolution properties [50, 51], but it may be used only rarely due to its carcinogenic properties. 

Toxicity is measured by the concentration in mg liter-1 of a compound that causes the death of a certain percentage (usually 50 or 100%) of the test population of a chosen organism (e.g., silvery minnows) in a chosen time (e.g., 96 hours). For organic inhibitors, the higher the concentration needed to achieve a lethal dose of 50%, the less toxic the inhibitor. In Table 12.3 the actual lethal concentration (LC50) (at 96 hr) is compared with that calculated by means of a quantitative structure-activity relation (QSAR). The basic calculation is that of the distribution coefficient of the inhibition of the primary alcohol octanol. 

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