Sulfonmethane


Sulfonmethane is a chemical compound first synthesized by Eugen Baumann in 1888 and introduced as a hypnotic drug by Alfred Kast later on, but now superseded by newer and safer sedatives. Its appearance is either in colorless crystalline or powdered form. In United States, it is scheduled as a Controlled [Substances Act#Schedule III controlled substances|Schedule III] drug in the Controlled Substances Act.

Chemistry

Sulfonal is prepared by condensing acetone with ethyl mercaptan in the presence of hydrochloric acid, the mercaptol 2C2 formed being subsequently oxidized by potassium permanganate. It is also formed by the action of alcoholic potash and methyl iodide on ethylidene diethyl sulfine, CH3CH2. It crystallizes in prisms melting at 125 C, which are practically insoluble in cold water, but dissolves in 15 parts of hot water and also in alcohol and ether.