Tacitin,Ciba Geigy,Switz.
A solution of 10 g of 9:10-dihydro-9:10-ethano-(1:2)-anthracene-(9)aldehyde
(made from anthracene and acrolein) and 10 g of monomethylamine in 100 cc
of ethanol is heated at 80°C for 4 hours in an autoclave. The reaction mixture
is then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to leave a crystalline
residue which is dissolved in 150 cc of ethanol and, after the addition of 2 g of
Raney nickel, hydrogenated at 40°C under atmospheric pressure. When the
absorption of hydrogen has subsided, the catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate
evaporated under reduced pressure. An oil remains which is covered with
100cc of 2N hydrochloric acid, The 9-methylamino-methyl-9:10-dihydro-9:10-
ethano-(9:10)-anthracene hydrochloride crystallizes immediately; after
crystallization from methanol it melts at 320°-322°C.
Sedative, Muscle relaxant
Poison by intravenous
route. Moderately toxic by ingestion.
Experimental teratogenic effects. A sedative
and muscle relaxant. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
NO, and HCl-.
