How do you dissolve phenidon?

[Angelo di Mango]

Everything is in the title.
I'd be grateful to you if you could tell me a way to dissolve phenidon easily.
Thanks for your help.
Angelo

 

[Larry H-L]

Yep, that is a tough one. I used to use it occasionally at a newspaper PJ job.

You might try warming the water, but I just used to stir, stir and stir.

A magnetic mixer would be helpful if you have one available.

 

[KenS]

Angelo,

Phenidone will dissolve (quite readily) in alcohol.

Ken

 

[keithwms]

Actually, you don't need heroic stirring, nor higher temps (which may accelerate oxidation), nor alcohol.

Here is a tip from Haist's Monobath Manual pg. 51 (recipe for MM-1), which uses hydroquinone. Haist says to add a pinch of the HQ (i.e. not all that may be called for in your recipe, just a pinch). Then add base (NaOH), and then the phenidone should dissolve in this alkaline mixture. The bit of HQ prevents oxidation of the phenidone when you add the base. After that you can add the rest of the HQ and other ingredients. To quote Haist:

"The higher alkalinity... insures solution of the phenidone before the alkalinity of the solution is reduced by the remaining amount of hydroquinone."

In other words, no alcohol is required. It is a matter of sequence and making the solution alkaline while also protecting the phenidone from oxidation.

Of course, if your recipe doesn't use HQ, well then maybe another procedure is needed. But a small amount of HQ is probably compatible with most recipes.

...and I am certainly not one to dissuade anyone from experimenting with alcohols, in good moderation...