Indican(CAS: 487-60-5)

Indican is a white crystalline compound with a molecular weight of approximately 388.41 g/mol. It is slightly soluble in water and more soluble in ethanol. Indican is highly reactive and prone to hydrolysis. It decomposes under acidic conditions and is stable in alkaline solutions.

Indican can be synthesized via the condensation of indole-3-carboxaldehyde and malonic acid, yielding a high yield with good selectivity. Commonly used catalysts include sulfuric acid. The reaction is usually carried out in water or an aqueous ethanol solution.

Indican is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of certain antibiotics. It is also utilized in the development of sensors for detecting specific compounds in environmental and medical applications.

Indican should be handled with care due to its high reactivity. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Ensure proper ventilation by working in a fume hood. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and acids. In case of spill, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed instructions.