CAS: 91715-47-8

5,6-Dimethoxybenzo[b]thiophene

5,6-Dimethoxy-benzo[b]thiophene is a water-soluble anaesthetic that is used to induce general anaesthesia. It has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine and results in muscle paralysis. 5,6-Dimethoxy-benzo[b]thiophene also has a structural similarity to piperidinium and vecuronium, which are both potent neuromuscular blocking drugs. 5,6-Dimethoxy-benzo[b]thiophene is soluble in water and it can be synthesised from the reaction of pyridine with acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.