Pinacidil

Pinacidil is a cyanoguanidine drug that opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels producing peripheral vasodilatation of arterioles. It reduces blood pressure and peripheral resistance and produces fluid retention.
Pinacidil has been associated with development of hypertrichosis in 2 to 13% of patients.

Synthesis

Condensation of 4-isothiocyanotopyridine and 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanamine gives thiourea . Treatment of that intermediate with a mixture of triphenylphosphine, carbon tetrachloride, and triethylamine leads to the unsymmetrical carbodiimide, . Addition of cyanamid affords pinacidil.