Methitural
# Methitural

Methitural (INN; Neraval, Thiogenal), or methitural sodium, also known as methioturiate, is a barbiturate derivative which was marketed in the 1950s in Europe (in Germany and Italy) as an ultra-short-acting intravenous anesthetic.

## Synthesis

A somewhat more complex side chain is incorporated by alkylation of the carbanion of the substituted cyanoacetate (1) with 2-chloroethylmethyl sulfide (2). Condensation of the resulting cyanoester (3) with thiourea followed by hydrolysis of the resulting imine affords methitural.

