BENZOCTAMINE

Originator

Tacitin,Ciba Geigy,Switz.

The Uses of BENZOCTAMINE

Relaxant (muscle); sedative-hypnotic.

Definition

ChEBI: Benzoctamine is a member of anthracenes.

Manufacturing Process

A solution of 10 g of 9:10-dihydro-9:10-ethano-(1:2)-anthracene-(9)aldehyde (made from anthracene and acrolein) and 10 g of monomethylamine in 100 cc of ethanol is heated at 80°C for 4 hours in an autoclave. The reaction mixture is then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to leave a crystalline residue which is dissolved in 150 cc of ethanol and, after the addition of 2 g of Raney nickel, hydrogenated at 40°C under atmospheric pressure. When the absorption of hydrogen has subsided, the catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. An oil remains which is covered with 100cc of 2N hydrochloric acid, The 9-methylamino-methyl-9:10-dihydro-9:10- ethano-(9:10)-anthracene hydrochloride crystallizes immediately; after crystallization from methanol it melts at 320°-322°C.

Therapeutic Function

Sedative, Muscle relaxant

Hazard

Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Safety Profile

A poison by intraperitoneal,subcutaneous, amd intravenous routes. Moderately toxicby ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits toxicvapors of NOx.