Pyritinol, which is claimed to promote the uptake of glucose in
the brain, is used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. However, WHO is
not aware of controlled experimental data to show that it has any therapeutic effect.
Synthesis
Synthesis: treatment of pyridoxine with hydrobromic acid gives 4,5-bis(bromomethyl)-3-
hydroxy-2-methylpyridinium bromide, which
when treated in the cold with potassium
ethyl xanthate gives ethyl 4-hydroxymethyl-
3-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-pyridyl methylxanthate.
Hydrolysis and oxidation are carried out in
aqueous-alcoholic ammonia to give the disulfide
pyritinol.
