PHENETIDIN Meaning and
Definition
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Phenetidin, also known as para-ethoxyaniline or N-phenylacetamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H11NO. It is a colorless or light yellow solid that has been historically used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.
Phenetidin was initially developed in the late 19th century as a substitute for morphine due to its perceived lower addictive potential and fewer side effects. However, its usage declined after the discovery of its toxic metabolite, paracetamol (acetaminophen), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Paracetamol is currently a more widely used alternative for pain relief.
From a structural perspective, phenetidin consists of a phenyl ring attached to an acetamide group. It is classified as an arylacetamide, a derivative of acetanilide, and can be synthesized from aniline. The compound has a molecular weight of 137.18 grams per mole and a melting point of around 46-51 degrees Celsius.
Phenetidin's analgesic effects are believed to result from its action on the central nervous system, particularly by blocking the transmission of pain signals. However, due to its potential as a precursor for illicit substances, its manufacture and distribution are heavily regulated in many countries.
In summary, phenetidin is an organic compound historically used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. Although its usage has declined, its discovery paved the way for the development of paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever today.
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A substance formed in the course of manufacture of acetphenetidin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHENETIDIN
Etymology of PHENETIDIN
The word "phenetidin" derives from the combination of two components: "phenet-" and "-idin".
The term "phenet-" is derived from "phenetole", which is an older name for ethoxybenzene. "Phenetole" combines the Greek word "phainomai", meaning "I am seen" or "I appear", with "ethos", meaning "volatile oil".
The other component, "-idin", is a suffix indicating a derivative of an original substance. It has its roots in Latin, where it meant "a product of", derived from "idus", meaning "offspring" or "descendant".
Therefore, combining "phenet-" and "-idin" gives us "phenetidin", meaning a derivative of ethoxybenzene, which refers to a chemical compound known as para-ethoxyaniline.
