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• 2. Impact of chirality on the amorphous state of conglomerate forming systems: a case study of N-acetyl-α-methylbenzylamine
  Bienvenu Atawa,Nicolas Couvrat,Frédéric Affouard,Natália T. Correia,Gérard Coquerel,Allisson Saiter-Fourcin Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2021 23 24282
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• Solvents and Organic Chemicals Organic Compounds Organoheterocyclic compounds Azolidines Imidazolidinones
• Solvents and Organic Chemicals Organic Compounds Organoheterocyclic compounds Azolidines Imidazolidines Imidazolidinones

Comprehensive Guide to 5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin (CAS No. 16820-12-5): Properties, Applications, and Industry Insights

5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin (CAS No. 16820-12-5) is a heterocyclic organic compound belonging to the hydantoin family. This white crystalline powder has garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical research due to its versatile properties. With a molecular formula of C₆H₁₀N₂O₂, it exhibits a melting point range of 120–125°C and is sparingly soluble in water but readily dissolves in organic solvents like ethanol and acetone.

In recent years, the demand for 5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin derivatives has surged, particularly in skincare formulations. Searches for "hydantoin in cosmetics" and "anti-aging hydantoin compounds" have increased by 40% year-over-year, reflecting growing consumer interest in its moisturizing and skin-barrier-enhancing properties. The compound’s ability to act as a humectant makes it valuable in hyaluronic acid-alternative products, a trending topic in dermatology forums.

From a synthetic chemistry perspective, CAS 16820-12-5 serves as a key intermediate for N-substituted hydantoins, which are pivotal in developing anticonvulsant drugs and antimicrobial agents. Researchers frequently inquire about "synthesis of 5-alkylhydantoins" or "hydantoin-based drug design," highlighting its pharmaceutical relevance. Its stability under physiological pH conditions makes it suitable for controlled-release formulations, addressing the industry’s focus on sustained-drug-delivery technologies.

Environmental considerations have also shaped discussions around 5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin. Analytical method development for "hydantoin detection in wastewater" has become a hot topic, with HPLC-MS techniques being optimized for trace-level analysis. The compound’s biodegradability profile aligns with green chemistry principles, making it preferable to persistent synthetic additives in personal care products.

Industrial applications leverage its role as a corrosion inhibitor intermediate in cooling systems, where searches for "eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors" have spiked. Its mechanism involves forming protective films on metal surfaces, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional chromate-based inhibitors. Material science studies also explore its incorporation into polymeric matrices for enhanced thermal stability.

Quality control specifications for 5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin typically require ≥98% purity (HPLC), with residual solvent limits per ICH guidelines. Analytical certificates often include tests for heavy metals (≤10 ppm) and sulfated ash (≤0.1%), reflecting stringent pharmaceutical excipient standards. Storage recommendations emphasize protection from moisture at 15–30°C to prevent hydantoin ring hydrolysis.

Emerging research explores 16820-12-5 derivatives in neurological applications, particularly regarding GABA_A receptor modulation. Patent analyses reveal increasing filings for "hydantoin nootropics" and "cognitive enhancers," though clinical evidence remains preliminary. This aligns with the growing market for neuroprotective compounds, projected to grow at 6.8% CAGR through 2030.

Regulatory status varies by application: the compound is listed in the Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng) for EU markets, while FDA filings exist for specific drug formulations. Safety assessments indicate low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ >2000 mg/kg oral, rat), though comprehensive ecotoxicological data remains an area for further study, as noted in recent REACH evaluation reports.

From a supply chain perspective, 5-Ethyl-5-methylhydantoin price trends show seasonal fluctuations tied to precursor availability (ethylurea and methyl acetoacetate). Current market intelligence suggests growing Asian production capacity, with manufacturers offering both standard and micronized hydantoin grades for specialized applications. Technical bulletins increasingly emphasize particle size distribution controls for formulation homogeneity.

Future directions include exploring enantioselective synthesis of the compound for chiral drug development, as well as its potential in biobased polymers. The rise of computational chemistry has enabled virtual screening of hydantoin pharmacophores, accelerating structure-activity relationship studies. These developments position CAS 16820-12-5 as a compound of enduring interdisciplinary interest.

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