Abstract
Summary
In a study of an homologous series of aliphatic quaternary ammonium and piperidinium compounds in mice, it was found that an increase in the chain length of 2 alkyl groups from 2 to 4 carbons results in an increase in the acute toxicity. Compounds with branched chains are relatively less toxic than compounds with straight chains. Piperidinium derivatives have the same range of toxicity as their aliphatic analogues. Administration of an anesthetic dose of Nembutal (66 mg/kg), 15 minutes prior to an injection of the quaternary ammonium derivative, reduces the toxicity of all but 4 compounds. These 4 compounds have methyl branches on 2 of the alpha carbons and at least one of the other substituents on the nitrogen is an ethyl group.
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