Sulfonmethane: Difference between revisions

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'''Sulfonmethane''', also known as '''dimethyl sulfone''' or '''MSM''', is an organic sulfur compound that is naturally occurring in some primitive plants. It is also found in small amounts in many foods and beverages. Its chemical formula is (CH3)2SO2.
Sulfonmethane


==Chemical Properties==
[[File:Sulfonal.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of sulfonmethane]]
Sulfonmethane is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and has a slightly bitter taste. The compound is stable under normal conditions, but it can decompose when heated to high temperatures, producing toxic fumes of sulfur oxides.


==Uses==
'''Sulfonmethane''', also known as '''sulfonal''', is a [[sedative]] and [[hypnotic]] drug that was first synthesized in the late 19th century. It belongs to the class of [[organosulfur compounds]] and was historically used to treat [[insomnia]] and other sleep disorders.
Sulfonmethane is used in the chemical industry as a high-temperature solvent for both inorganic and organic substances. It is used to refine petroleum products and to produce chemicals and synthetic fibers. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a medium for the synthesis of many drugs.


In alternative medicine, sulfonmethane is marketed as a dietary supplement, often promoted for joint health. However, the evidence for its effectiveness is not strong, and its use is not approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] or the [[European Medicines Agency|EMA]].
==Chemical Structure and Properties==


==Safety==
Sulfonmethane is a [[sulfonyl]] compound with the chemical formula C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>10</sub>O<sub>4</sub>S<sub>2</sub>. It is characterized by the presence of two [[sulfonyl]] groups attached to a central [[carbon]] atom, forming a symmetrical structure. The compound is typically a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol.
Sulfonmethane is generally considered safe for human consumption in moderate amounts. However, excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Long-term use of sulfonmethane supplements may also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.


==See Also==
[[File:Sulfonal-3D-sticks.png|thumb|left|3D model of sulfonmethane]]
* [[Organosulfur compounds]]
* [[Dietary supplement]]
* [[Alternative medicine]]


==References==
==History==
<references />


Sulfonmethane was first synthesized in 1888 by the German chemist Eugen Baumann. It was introduced into medical practice shortly thereafter as a [[hypnotic]] agent. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was widely used as a sleep aid before the development of more modern [[barbiturates]] and [[benzodiazepines]].
==Pharmacology==
Sulfonmethane acts as a [[central nervous system]] depressant. Its sedative effects are believed to result from its ability to enhance the activity of the [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA) neurotransmitter system, which is the primary inhibitory system in the brain. This action leads to a calming effect on the [[nervous system]], promoting sleep.
==Medical Uses==
Historically, sulfonmethane was used to treat [[insomnia]] and other sleep disorders. It was also occasionally used as a [[sedative]] for [[anxiety]] and [[nervousness]]. However, due to its potential for [[toxicity]] and the development of safer alternatives, its use has declined significantly.
==Side Effects and Toxicity==
The use of sulfonmethane can lead to several side effects, including [[drowsiness]], [[dizziness]], and [[headache]]. In cases of overdose, it can cause severe [[central nervous system]] depression, leading to [[coma]] or even [[death]]. Chronic use can result in [[tolerance]] and [[dependence]].
==Current Status==
Today, sulfonmethane is largely obsolete in clinical practice. It has been replaced by more effective and safer [[hypnotic]] agents. However, it remains of historical interest as one of the early synthetic [[sedatives]].
==Related Pages==
* [[Sedative]]
* [[Hypnotic]]
* [[Insomnia]]
* [[Barbiturate]]
* [[Benzodiazepine]]
[[Category:Sedatives]]
[[Category:Hypnotics]]
[[Category:Organosulfur compounds]]
[[Category:Organosulfur compounds]]
[[Category:Dietary supplements]]
[[Category:Alternative medicine]]
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{{dictionary-stub1}}
<gallery>
File:Sulfonmethane Sulfonal.svg
File:Sulfonal-3D-sticks.png
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 14:13, 21 February 2025

Sulfonmethane

Chemical structure of sulfonmethane

Sulfonmethane, also known as sulfonal, is a sedative and hypnotic drug that was first synthesized in the late 19th century. It belongs to the class of organosulfur compounds and was historically used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

Sulfonmethane is a sulfonyl compound with the chemical formula C7H10O4S2. It is characterized by the presence of two sulfonyl groups attached to a central carbon atom, forming a symmetrical structure. The compound is typically a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol.

3D model of sulfonmethane

History[edit]

Sulfonmethane was first synthesized in 1888 by the German chemist Eugen Baumann. It was introduced into medical practice shortly thereafter as a hypnotic agent. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was widely used as a sleep aid before the development of more modern barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Pharmacology[edit]

Sulfonmethane acts as a central nervous system depressant. Its sedative effects are believed to result from its ability to enhance the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system, which is the primary inhibitory system in the brain. This action leads to a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting sleep.

Medical Uses[edit]

Historically, sulfonmethane was used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It was also occasionally used as a sedative for anxiety and nervousness. However, due to its potential for toxicity and the development of safer alternatives, its use has declined significantly.

Side Effects and Toxicity[edit]

The use of sulfonmethane can lead to several side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. In cases of overdose, it can cause severe central nervous system depression, leading to coma or even death. Chronic use can result in tolerance and dependence.

Current Status[edit]

Today, sulfonmethane is largely obsolete in clinical practice. It has been replaced by more effective and safer hypnotic agents. However, it remains of historical interest as one of the early synthetic sedatives.

Related Pages[edit]