Abstract

Hydantoins are a group of closely related substances for which several general patterns regarding their physical properties, chemical reactivity, synthesis, and analysis can be found. Physical properties of hydantoin derivatives, including melting point and ionization properties, are discussed in terms of their relationship with molecular association through hydrogen bonds. A survey of their spectral properties (uv, ir, nmr, luminescence, and mass spectra) is also given. Treatment of chemical reactivity is descriptive, with little or no emphasis on mechanistic aspects. The most common synthetic and analytical methods are also briefly discussed. Medicinal applications are commented on and various other industrial applications of hydantoins are also covered.