Цефедрин

Description

Cefedrine is a nitrogen-containing organic compound, an aminonitrile based on a phenylpropanolamine skeleton. The systematic name is 3-[2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl(methyl)amino]propiononitrile, English - cephedrine. The molecule combines a secondary benzyl alcohol, an N-methylated secondary amine, and a nitrile group at the end of the three-carbon chain.

Basic Attributes

• CAS No: 67055-59-8
• Chemical formula: C13H18N2O
• Molecular weight: 218.3
• Exact weight: 218.142
• PSA specifications: 47.3
• XLogP3: 1.4

Physico-chemical characteristics

• Density: 1.0346 (estimated)

Toxicity

• LD50 oral, rat: 940 mg/kg
• LD50 oral, mouse: 465 mg/kg

Fire hazard and flammability characteristics

When thermally decomposed, the substance releases toxic nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide vapor - a source of hazard typical of organic nitriles when burned or heated above the decomposition temperature.

Chemical structure

The skeleton of the molecule is 1-phenyl-2-(methylamino)propan-1-ol, that is, an N-methylated analogue of the norephedrine series of amino alcohols, to the nitrogen atom of which a propanenitrile chain is additionally attached. This structure is typical for intermediate products in the synthesis of phenylalkylamines, where the nitrile group is used as a protected or precursor form of the aminopropyl fragment.

Scope of application

Used as a chemical reagent and research object in the synthetic organic chemistry of phenylpropanolamine derivatives; the claimed therapeutic or agricultural use is not described in open sources.

Related compounds

The amino alcohol fragment of cephedrine - 1-phenyl-2-(methylamino)propan-1-ol - is identical in skeleton to the methamphetamine series of N-methylphenylpropanolamines, which include, in particular, pseudoephedrine and norephedrine. The difference between cephedrine and this group is the replacement of the free amino group with a tertiary amine closed by an additional propanenitrile chain, which radically changes the pharmacological profile of the compound and transfers it to the category of chemical intermediates rather than biologically active amines.

Storage and transportation conditions

According to the supplier's passport data, the warehouse for storing the substance must have a low temperature, be ventilated and dry. Considering the release of toxic nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide during thermal decomposition, store away from heat sources and open flames, in sealed containers, with access only to personnel provided with respiratory protection in case of emergency heating. When working, wear gloves, safety glasses, and exhaust ventilation. LD50 values ​​(940 mg/kg in rats, 465 mg/kg in mice orally) classify the substance as a moderately hazardous compound for acute oral toxicity. In the event of an emergency fire or strong heating, extinguish only with means that do not create additional spray of the substance, and evacuate personnel from the area where smoke is generated due to the risk of hydrogen cyanide release.

Identification

In chemical databases, the compound is registered under the systematic name 3-[(1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-propanyl)(methyl)amino]propanenitrile, equivalent to the synonym given in the passport, and under the Wikidata code Q4506468. For accurate identification in laboratory documentation, it is recommended to indicate simultaneously the CAS number, full systematic name and molecular formula.