The study of the pharmacological effects of pimagedine has required the synthesis of a radiolabeled derivative. [14C]-Pimagedine was synthesized by the reaction of hydrazine sulfate with barium [14C]-cyanamide in a one-step synthesis, and was conveniently isolated by crystallization as the bicarbonate salt.
The synthesis of pimagedine was first reported more than 100 years ago. Several other preparative methods have since been described. However, the preferred method is the nitration of guanidine nitrate (I) with concentrated sulfuric acid giving nitroguanidine (II), which is then reduced with zinc dust in acetic acid. The title compound is isolated as the bicarbonate salt.