Imiloxan is a drug which is used in scientific research. It acts as a selective antagonist

Receptor antagonist

A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses...

 for the α_2B

Alpha-2B adrenergic receptor

The alpha-2B adrenergic receptor , is a G-protein coupled receptor. It is a subtype of the adrenergic receptor family. The human gene encoding this receptor has the symbol ADRA2B.ADRA2B orthologs have been identified in several mammals....

 adrenergic receptor

Adrenergic receptor

The adrenergic receptors are a class of metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors that are targets of the catecholamines, especially noradrenaline and adrenaline ....

, and has been useful for distinguishing the actions of the different α₂ adrenergic subtypes.

Chemistry

The imidazole

Imidazole

Imidazole is an organic compound with the formula C3H4N2. This aromatic heterocyclic is a diazole and is classified as an alkaloid. Imidazole refers to the parent compound, whereas imidazoles are a class of heterocycles with similar ring structure, but varying substituents...

 portion of imiloxan is prepared by the reaction of an imidate with the diethyl acetal of aminoacetaldehyde. N-Alkylation of the imidazole with ethyl iodide

Ethyl iodide

Ethyl iodide is a colorless, flammable chemical compound. It has the chemical formula C2H5I and is prepared by heating ethanol with iodine and phosphorus. On contact with air, especially on the effect of light, it decomposes and turns yellow or reddish from dissolved iodine.Ethyl iodide is very...

gives imiloxan.