DL-S-(2-[N-3-(2-oxo-tetrahydrothienyl)acetamido])-thioglycolic acid: a novel mucolytic agent of the class of homocysteine thiolactone derivatives.

The synthesis and the characterization of some DL-homocysteine thiolactone derivatives are described. Rabbits, affected by acute bronchitis, treated orally with the title compounds showed a considerable reduction of the viscosity of the bronchial mucus. DL-S-(2-[N-3-(2-oxo-tetrahydrothienyl)acetamido]]thioglycolic acid (RV 144, Dithiosteine) was the most active compound and was thus selected for further experimental studies. The structure elucidation, physical and chemical parameters of RV 144 (Dithiosteine) were determined.