Metformin

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Metformin
Names
IUPAC name
N,N-Dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide
Other names
3-(Diaminomethylidene)-1,1-dimethylguanidine
Dimethylbiguanidine
Dimethylguanylguanidine
Fortamet
Glucophage
Glumetza
N,N-Dimethylbiguanide
Properties
C4H11N5
C4H11N5HCl (hydrochloride)
Molar mass 129.167 g/mol
165.63 g/mol (hydrochloride)
Appearance Colorless crystalline solid
Odor Odorless
Melting point freebase
223–226 °C (433–439 °F; 496–499 K)
hydrochloride
223–235 °C (433–455 °F; 496–508 K)
Boiling point Decomposes
freebase
Soluble
hydrochloride
35.2 g/100 ml (20 °C)
Solubility Soluble in ethanol, methanol
Insoluble in acetone, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, toluene, xylene
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Acidity (pKa) 12.4
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (hydrochloride)
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
1770 mg/kg (rat, oral)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Guanidine
Cyanoguanidine
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Metformin, also called Glucophage, is an organic compound, used as the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is commonly available as the hydrochloride salt.

Properties

Chemical

Metformin is an organic base, that reacts with acids to form salts.

Physical

Metformin is a colorless solid, soluble in water and alcohols.

Availability

Metformin is available as medication against diabetes type 2, although it can only be acquired via prescription.

Preparation

Reaction of cyanoguanidine with dimethylamine yields metformin. If dimethylamine hydrochloride is used instead, metformin hydrochloride will be produced.

Projects

  • Anti-diabetic medication (do not consume lab-grade reagent!)
  • Compound collecting

Handling

Safety

Metformin has low toxicity, and it's used in medicine as treatment for type 2 diabetes, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome (as hydrochloride salt). The most common adverse effect of metformin is gastrointestinal irritation, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and possibly increased flatulence. A small percentage of people may display lactic acidosis. It is not recommended for people who may have various kidney conditions.

There are some indications that this medication has some positive effects outside the use of treatment for the two mentioned conditions, like aiding in weight loss, improvement of bodily functions, including a possible reduction of loss of mental faculties, though so far none of these results have been proven beyond doubt.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

No special disposal is required, though it's best to incinerate it and not pour it down the drain.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads