Pinacidil

Pinacidil is a cyanoguanidine drug that opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels producing peripheral vasodilatation of arterioles. It reduces blood pressure and peripheral resistance and produces fluid retention.

Synthesis


Condensation of 4-isothiocyanotopyridine [76105-84-5] (1) and 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanamine [3850-30-4] (2) gives thiourea [67027-06-9] (3). Treatment of that intermediate with a mixture of triphenylphosphine, carbon tetrachloride, and triethylamine leads to the unsymmetrical carbodiimide, CID:20501933 (4'). Addition of cyanamid affords pinacidil (5).