Kairine is a
derivative
In mathematics, the derivative of a function of a real variable measures the sensitivity to change of the function value (output value) with respect to a change in its argument (input value). Derivatives are a fundamental tool of calculus. F ...
of
tetrahydroquinoline
Tetrahydroquinoline is an organic compound that is the semi-hydrogenated derivative of quinoline. It is a colorless oil.
Use
Substituted derivatives of tetrahydroquinoline are common in medicinal chemistry. Oxamniquine, dynemycin, viratmycin, a ...
which was first described by Wilhelm Fischer in 1883. Its name comes from the Greek ''kairos'', meaning "the right time". It is an
antipyretic
An antipyretic (, from ''anti-'' 'against' and ' 'feverish') is a substance that reduces fever. Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature. The body then works to lower the temperature, which r ...
, formerly used against
typhoid fever
Typhoid fever, also known as typhoid, is a disease caused by '' Salmonella'' serotype Typhi bacteria. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and usually begin six to 30 days after exposure. Often there is a gradual onset of a high fever over several ...
, but now largely obsolete due to severe side effects. Both kairine and its ''N''-ethyl
homolog
In biology, homology is similarity due to shared ancestry between a pair of structures or genes in different taxa. A common example of homologous structures is the forelimbs of vertebrates, where the wings of bats and birds, the arms of prima ...
show similar antipyretic activity.
See also
*
8-Hydroxyquinoline
8-Hydroxyquinoline (also known as oxine) is a chelating agent which has been used for the quantitative determination of metal ions.
In aqueous solution 8-hydroxyquinoline has a pKa value of ca. 9.9 It reacts with metal ions, losing the proton an ...
References
Nitrogen heterocycles
Antipyretics
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