Title: Arsphenamine
CAS Registry Number: 139-93-5
Synonyms: salvarsan
Manufacturers' Codes: Ehrlich 606
Literature References: Originally introduced as an antisyphilitic. Initially characterized as
4,4￠-(1,2-diarsenediyl)bis[2-aminophenol] dihydrochloride; composition was later determined to be of a mixture of cyclic 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsenic species. Prepn: P. Ehrlich, A. Bertheim,
US 986148 (1911 to Hoechst);
eidem,
Ber. 45, 756 (1912); W. A. Christiansen,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 42, 2402 (1920). Toxicity data: J. F. Schamberg
et al., Am. J. Syph. Neurol. 18, 37 (1934). Review of structure: A. S. Levinson,
J. Chem. Educ. 54, 98-99 (1977). MS determn of chemical composition: N. C. Lloyd
et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 44, 941 (2005).
Properties: Light yellow, somewhat hygroscopic powder. It is odorless, or has a slight odor of the precipitant used. Oxidizes on exposure to air, becoming darker and more toxic.
It is poisonous! Sol in water, alc or glycerol, very slightly sol in chloroform or ether. Its aq soln is acid; pH about 3. LD100 i.v. in rats: 140 mg/kg (Schamberg).
Toxicity data: LD100 i.v. in rats: 140 mg/kg (Schamberg)
