Diphenylhydantoin is a mouthful of a word, but it is a commonly used medication for seizure disorders. Its spelling can seem daunting, but understanding its phonetic transcription can make it easier to remember. The word is pronounced dɪˈfɛnəlhaɪˈdæntəʊɪn. The "diphenyl" portion refers to the two phenyl groups in the molecule, while "hydantoin" refers to the chemical structure of the medication. While not the easiest word to spell, its phonetic transcription can help with pronunciation and memorization.
Diphenylhydantoin is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of hydantoin derivatives. It is also commonly known by its brand name, phenytoin, which is widely used as an antiepileptic medication. This compound is characterized by the presence of two phenyl rings attached to a hydantoin nucleus.
In its pharmaceutical form, diphenylhydantoin is administered orally or intravenously to control and prevent seizures in patients with various types of epilepsy. It acts by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to these seizures. Additionally, it may be prescribed to prevent seizures during or after neurological surgeries or for other conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
From a chemical perspective, diphenylhydantoin is a yellow crystalline powder that is relatively insoluble in water. It is stable under normal conditions and has a melting point of around 295-300 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, it has a molecular formula of C15H12N2O2 and a molecular weight of 252.27 grams per mole.
In summary, diphenylhydantoin is a compound used primarily as an antiepileptic medication. It functions by reducing abnormal brain activity, thereby preventing seizures. Its structure consists of two phenyl rings connected to a hydantoin nucleus, and it is administered orally or intravenously.
The word "diphenylhydantoin" has a somewhat straightforward etymology. It is primarily derived from combining three parts: "diphenyl", "hydantoin", and the connecting elements.
1. "Diphenyl": The term "diphenyl" consists of two components - "di-" and "phenyl". "Di-" is a prefix indicating two, and "phenyl" refers to a phenyl group, which is a six-membered aromatic ring consisting of five carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
2. "Hydantoin": The word "hydantoin" originates from the combination of two components - "hydantoic acid" and the suffix "-in". "Hydantoic acid" refers to a chemical compound called "imidazolidine-2,4-dione", commonly known as hydantoin.