Rhodanine


Rhodanine is a 5-membered heterocyclic organic compound possessing a thiazolidine core. It was discovered in 1877 by Marceli Nencki who named it "Rhodaninsaure" in reference to its synthesis from ammonium rhodanide and chloroacetic acid in water.
Rhodanines can also be prepared by the reaction of carbon disulfide, ammonia, and chloroacetic acid, which proceeds via an intermediate dithiocarbamate.

Derivatives

Some rhodanine derivatives have pharmacological properties; for instance, epalrestat is used to treat diabetic neuropathy. However, most are promiscuous binders with poor selectivity; as a result, this class of compounds is viewed with suspicion by medicinal chemists. However, this view is discussed as well as many useful features of rhodanine derivatives.