Synthesis method of DMSA

DMSA ( Dimercaptosuccinic acid ) , a chelating agent used for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning (such as lead, arsenic, and mercury), is synthesized through a two-step process starting with maleic acid.

Here’s a general synthesis method for DMSA:

Materials Needed:

  • Maleic acid (C₄H₆O₄)
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)

Procedure:

Step 1: Protection of the maleic acid

1.Maleic acid is first treated with an alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to form the sodium salt of maleic acid.

2.This salt is then reacted with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). This reaction introduces sulfur into the structure, forming the disulfide intermediate.

    Step 2: Hydrolysis to form DMSA

    1.The disulfide intermediate undergoes hydrolysis (usually in the presence of water and an acid like hydrochloric acid) to cleave the sulfur-carbon bonds.

    2.The result is the formation of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), which contains two thiol (–SH) groups attached to a succinic acid backbone.

      Synthesis method of DMSA-Xi'an Lyphar Biotech Co., Ltd

      Purification:

      • After the reaction, DMSA can be purified by recrystallization, typically using water or ethanol as a solvent.

      This method is relatively straightforward and allows the selective introduction of sulfur to the succinic acid skeleton, yielding DMSA as the final product.

      Applicable population of DMSA

      DMSA ( Dimercaptosuccinic acid ) is primarily used in medical settings to treat heavy metal poisoning, such as lead poisoning, and in some cases for the diagnosis and treatment of renal conditions, including renal scarring in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Its applicable populations can include:

      1. Children with Lead Poisoning:

      • DMSA is commonly used in children with lead poisoning, particularly in those with blood lead levels between 45-69 µg/dL.
      • It can help lower blood lead levels and is often preferred over other chelating agents like EDTA for its oral administration route.

      2. Adults with Heavy Metal Poisoning:

      • DMSA can be used in adults for heavy metal toxicity (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic), though it is more frequently used in pediatric populations due to its better safety profile in children.

      3. Renal Scarring in Children:

      • DMSA is sometimes used in children to assess renal scarring, particularly following a urinary tract infection (UTI) complicated by vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
      • It can be used for renal imaging (renal scans) to evaluate the extent of damage in the kidneys.

      4. Mercury and Arsenic Poisoning:

      • Though less commonly used than in lead poisoning, DMSA has been shown to be effective in cases of mercury and arsenic toxicity, particularly in children and adults who have been exposed to these heavy metals.
      Synthesis method of DMSA-Xi'an Lyphar Biotech Co., Ltd

      5. Pregnancy and Lactation:

      • DMSA is generally considered safe in pregnancy and lactation when used under medical supervision, but it should only be used if the benefits outweigh potential risks.

      6. Renal Function Considerations:

      • DMSA should be used with caution in individuals with impaired renal function, as it is primarily excreted through the kidneys.

      In summary, DMSA is most commonly used in children for lead poisoning and for evaluating renal scarring, but it can be applied in adults for other heavy metal poisonings as well.