What is "hydantoin"

Hydantoin \Hy*dan"to*in\, n. [Hydrogen + allantion.] (Chem.) A derivative of urea, C3H4N2O2, obtained from allantion, as a white, crystalline substance, with a sweetish taste; -- called also glycolyl urea.

n. (context organic compound English) The heterocycle ''imidazolidine-2,4-dione'' derived from urea and glycolic acid; any of its many derivatives

n. any of a group of anticonvulsant drugs used in treating epilepsy

Hydantoin, or glycolylurea, is a heterocyclic organic compound with the formula CHC(O)NHC(O)NH. It is a colorless solid that arises from the reaction of glycolic acid and urea. It is an oxidized derivative of imidazolidine. In a more general sense, hydantoins can refer to a groups and a class of compounds with the same ring structure as the parent. For example, phenytoin (mentioned below) has two phenyl groups substituted onto the number 5 carbon in a hydantoin molecule.