Synthesis of New Barbiturate Esters as Intravenous Anesthetics: A new Dimension of Anesthesia Route

The currently accepted explanation of the short action of barbiturate anesthetics is that the redistribution of drug within the body compartments and also some degree of metabolism being involved. It is, however manifestly evident that the barbiturates anesthetic are not rapidly metabolized. Thus it was assumed that molecular modifications could provide barbiturates which undergo rapid metabolism and thereby would offer very important clinical advantage. It was felt that there was a need for an agent that is potent, very brief because of rapid metabolic break down and allows restoration of all mental faculties within 1-2 hours without persistent hangover or headache.