Abstract
Since Macht 2 observed that benzyl alcohol possessed local anesthetic powers, several of its homologues have been studied for like properties in this laboratory. These consist of α 3 and β 4 phenethylol and benzoyl carbinol. The structural relationship of these substances is:
Hirschfelder 5 recently reported his observations on a series of compounds closely related to the above. β phenethylol and phenyl glycol were amongst these, the latter being the reduction product of benzoyl carbinol, the subject of this paper.
The relative efficiency of the substances investigated, with respect to their local anesthetic properties, is shown by the following table:
Sollmann 6 found that procaine in the strength of 1/32 per cent. was the minimal concentration which anesthetized human skin when injected intradermally and tested according to the wheal method of Hoffrnann. 7 From the above table, therefore, it is seen that benzoyl carbinol is at least as efficient on the human skin as any known anesthetic.
Benzoyl carbinol is not as irritant on the tongue as the benzyl alcohol and its above mentioned homologues. In the skin, likewise, it does not induce as extensive a local reaction of the tissues. It is soluble in water to the extent of about one half per cent. at 20° C., but when heated to 50° C. a one per cent. solution can be made which does not alter within two hours. Benzoyl carbinol is, therefore, soluble within practical limits.
Summary.-I. Benzoyl carbinol possesses local anesthetic properties which in general are superior to those of its homologues herein discussed.
2. Benzoyl carbinol is less irritant to the body tissues than its congeners.
3. Its solubility in water is sufficient to make it a practicable local anesthetic.
4. It is the most stable of the series.
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