Context:
Five persons fell unconscious and were hospitalised when they were engaged in shifting acetanilide bags from one container to another in Visakhapatnam recently.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Acetanilide:
- Acetanilide, with the molecular formula C8H9NO, is also known as N-phenylacetamide, acetanil, or acetanilid.
- It appears as a white, odorless solid.
- Chemical Relationship: It is functionally related to acetic acid.
Historical and Medical Significance:
- First used in 1886, primarily as a fever-reducing drug.
- Found effective for relieving pain, it served as an alternative to aspirin for treating headaches, menstrual cramps, and rheumatism.
- Side Effects: Prolonged or excessive use can lead to toxic effects, specifically interfering with hemoglobin function.
Current Medical and Industrial Use:
- Replacement in Therapy: Now largely replaced by acetaminophen (paracetamol) in medical treatments due to lower risk of inducing blood disorders.
- Industrial Use: Employed as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, and various chemicals.
-Source: The Hindu
