What is "rhodanine"

n. (context organic compound English) The heterocycle ''2-thioxy-4-thiazolidinone'' some of whose derivatives show anti-viral activity

Rhodanine is a 5-membered heterocyclic organic compound possessing a thiazolidine core. It was first discovered in 1877 by Marceli Nencki who named it "Rhodaninsaure" in reference to its synthesis from ammonium rhodanide (in modern chemistry ammonium thiocyanate) and chloroacetic acid in water.

Rhodanines can also be prepared by the reaction of carbon disulfide, ammonia, and chloroacetic acid, which proceeds via an intermediate dithiocarbamate.

Some rhodanine derivatives have pharmacological properties; for instance, epalrestat is used to treat diabetic neuropathy. However, most are promiscuous binders with poor selectivity; as a result, this class of compounds is viewed with suspicion by medicinal chemists,