Constitution of the Irradiation Product from Stilbamidine

Abstract

Following the observation by Fulton and Yorke¹ that the drug Stilbamidine (4: 4´-diamidinostilbene di-β-hydroxyethanesulphonate) undergoes photochemical change with production of a more toxic substance when its solutions are exposed to light, various investigators have put forward suggestions regarding the constitution of the irradiation product. Barber, Slack and Wien² reported that “The product is almost certainly 4: 4´-diamidinophenylbenzyl carbinol, but rigorous proof is difficult”. Goodwin³, from spectrographic evidence, confirmed that saturation of the ethylenic linkage occurs, while Henry⁴ reported that a number of chemical changes are involved, including dimerization.