2-Hydroxyiminomethyl-N-Methylpyridinium Methanesulphonate (P2S), An Antidote to Organophosphorus Poisoning. Its Preparation, Estimation and Stability

Abstract

2-Hydroxyiminomethyl-N-methylpyridinium methanesulphonate (P2S) is prepared by boiling pyridine-2-aldoxime with methyl methanesulphonate in benzene. It can be estimated both in water and in biological materials by measuring its ultra-vìolet absorption in alkaline solution. In aqueous solution it is slowly decomposed by heat or prolonged storage with some cyanide ion formation. The stability varies with pH, being optimal at pH 4–5. P2S can be satisfactorily sterilised by filtration through a “millipore” filter.