2, 2-Diethyl-4-pentenamide, a sedative of new importance

The introduction of prescription duty in the F.R. of Germany for bromo-ureas has led to a substitution by 2,2-diethyl-4-pentenamide in some common sedatives. Extraction of this drug and its main metabolite from biological material and detection by TLC and GLC is described. Concentrations is blood and urine are determined after therapeutic dosage and in cases of chronic and acute intoxications including monitoring. Post mortem levels in specimen and body fluids after suicides are reported.