phenytoin can be prepared by reacting benZophenone With
ammonium carbonate in the presence of sodium cyanide.
The phenytoin is then dissolved in sodium hydroxide
solution, and the Water is removed from the mixture by
drying in a vacuum oven at a temperature of about 50° C.
The dried cake Which results is a complex
mixture of a large number of polymorphic forms of sodium
phenytoin.