Mephenesin
Formula
(C11H17N)2 · H2SO4
Preparation
Mephenesin is synthesized starting from o-cresol. First, o-cresol is treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide to convert it into its sodium salt. This sodium salt undergoes nucleophilic substitution with 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, forming Mephenesin.
Assay
The purity of Mephenesin is checked using the following procedure:
- Accurately weigh about 0.4 g of sample.
- Dissolve in 250 ml of water, add 5 g NaCl, shake well.
- Add 5 ml of 5 M NaOH.
- Extract the solution with ether; combine the ether layers.
- Add 30 ml sulfuric acid, stir and warm gently to evaporate ether.
- Cool and titrate with 0.1 M NaOH using methyl red as indicator.
- Calculation: 1 ml of 0.05 M sulfuric acid = 0.02123 g of Mephenesin (C11H17N)2 · H2SO4
Uses
- Acts as a centrally acting muscle relaxant.
- Used as an analgesic and anxiolytic.
- Has anti-fungal activity.
- Can be used as an antidote for strychnine poisoning.
Detailed Notes:
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PATH: PHARMD/PHARMD NOTES/ PHARMD FIRST YEAR NOTES/ ORGANIC CHEMISTRY/ PHARMACEUTICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY/ MEPHENESIN.