AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

These studies were carried out in an attempt to elucidate the mode of action of the drug phenothiazine. The first record of phenothiazine (thiodiphenylamine ) appears with its synthesis in 1885 by Bernthsen, in his studies on compounds of the methylene blue group. It gives rise to many dyes, the most important being methylene blue, Lauth’s violet, and thionol. Phenothiazine is a soft, smooth powder of talc-like consistency, slightly off yellowish-white in colour. It has a faint but characteristic odour and taste. It is highly insoluble in water, but readily soluble in the fat solvents, alcohol, xylol, toluol, ether, chloroform. From these it crystallizes out in flat plates. The melting point of pure phenothiazine is 184°C.; the commercial product used as the drug melts at 180-181°C. The molecular weight is 199.4 [...]