Sedative-Hypnotics

Chemicals

Formaldehyde

Diphenhydramine
Chloral Hydrate
FORMALDEHYDE
• A colourless or almost
colourless liquid
• Pungent.
• The liquid is usually
clear but sometimes
becomes cloudy on
standing in the cold.
FORMALDEHYDE: Effects
• Breathing formaldehyde fumes can cause lung and sinus
irritation, sometimes severe.
• Long-term formaldehyde exposure is correlated to an
increased risk of certain cancers.
• Ingesting formaldehyde (drinking it) can be fatal.
FORMALDEHYDE: Structure
• The polar nature of its carbon-
oxygen bond makes this a
highly reactive compound.
• Its small molecular size enables
it to penetrate tissues and other
substances easily, while the
polar nature of its carbon-
oxygen bond makes it an
excellent solvent.
FORMALDEHYDE: Uses
• Used in biology to preserve tissue specimens
• Used in embalming fluids intended to delay
decay in human corpses
• Used as an antiseptic, as it kills most bacteria
and fungi.
• Has a sedative effect and used as analgesic
• Agents not mainly for therapeutic purpose for
it has a carcinogenic effect
Identification Test for Formaldehyde
Silver Mirror Tollens Test
for Aldehydes
Formaldehyde was oxidized
to Carboxylic Acid (Formic
Acid)
Silver nitrate was reduced
forming a Silver metal
Metallic silver is produced
either in the form of a
finely divided grey
precipitate or as a metallic
mirror on the sides of the
CHLORAL HYDRATE
• Colorless, transparent crystals, characteristic odor,
aromatic and slightly acidic.
Note: Stored in a tightly closed container.
 CHLORAL HYDRATE
• Synthesis: Produced commercially by the chlorination of
acetaldehyde (or ethanol) in the presence of hydrochloric acid.

• Chloral hydrate is metabolized to trichloroethanol, which is

responsible for its physiological and Psychological Effects.
CHLORAL HYDRATE: Use
• Mainly used as a hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia;
however, it is only effective as a hypnotic for short-term
use. 
• The safety margin is too narrow for chloral hydrate to be
used as a general anesthetic in humans, but it is
commonly used for that purpose in animal experiments. 
MOA: Binds with GABA receptor which increases the
effects of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) resulting
to depression of the CNS.
CHLORAL HYDRATE: Mickey Finn
• “Knock-out Drops”
• Michael Finn → Mickey Finn effect
• Chicago bartender
• who served alcohol and Chloral Hydrate to
customers, allowing him to rob them while
they were unconscious.
• It was the hypnotic application of chloral
hydrate, typically in an alcohol solution.
Identification Test for Chloral Hydrate
Chloral Hydrate + NaOH
• Decomposition
• A milky solution is
produced and chloroform,
perceptible by its odor is
formed.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
• A white, shiny, or almost white, crystalline
powder.
• The substance causes local numbness when
placed on the tongue.
• Diphenhydramine is one of the main
representatives of antihistamine drugs that
block H1 receptors.
This amino alkyl
ethers have to
penetrate the
BBB and occupy
central H1
receptor resulting
the
DROWSINESS.
Identification Test for Diphenhydramine HCl
Sulfuric Acid Test for
Diphenhydramine
- To identify Alkaloids
- Nitrogen containing compounds
- Natural / Synthetic
A momentary violet colour is
produced which changes to red and
finally to yellow-Orange.