[The purification and characterization of Cordemcura]

3-Amino-5-(4-pyridinyl)-1,2-dihydro-pyrid-2-one (1) is an amphoteric compound and forms one crystalline sodium salt and two hydrochlorides. Physicochemical properties UV, NMR and MS are described. TLC has been used mainly and is the most sensitive method for estimation of 1-byproducts. Coloured byproducts, generated by hypochlorite or air oxidation during synthesis and handling in solution, are monitored by vis-spectra, diminished by sulfite addition and removed by alkaline precipitation. The purification procedure is able to produce 1 with only 0.1% of precursors or byproducts.