[Probucol: chemical structure, physical properties and assay methods (author's transl)].

Probucol is isopropylene dithio-4-4' di (di-tert-butyl-2,6 phenol), a molecule containing two atoms of sulphur. Its chemical structure therefore is very different from that of other known hypolipaemic compounds. Probucol is a white, odourless crystalline powder, almost insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. It is strongly lipophilic. The UV spectrum of probucol in methanol shows maximum absorption at a wave-length of 242 nanometers. The finished product is presented as tablets containing 250 mg of probucol. The active substance in the pharmaceutical preparation can be identified by thin layer chromatography and assayed by ultraviolet spectrometry. Serum levels of probucol can be measured by gas chromatography with electron capture detection or by mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography.