Phenacetin Basic Information

Product Name: Phenacetin

CAS: 62-44-2

MF: C10H13NO2

MW: 179.22

Phenacetin Chemical Properties

Melting point: 133-136 °C (lit.)

Boiling point: 132 °C / 4mmHg

Density: 1.1248 (rough estimate)

refractive index: 1.5710

Fp: 2℃

Storage temp.: Sealed in dry, Room Temperature

Solubility: Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)

Form: White or white crystalline Powder

Phenacetin Crystal Raw Powder

Phenacetin raw Powder

Phenacetin Description

Phenacetin is a pain-relieving and fever-reducing drug, was discovered as an analgesic in 1887. It was one of the first synthetic fever reducers on the market and one of the first non-opioid analgesics without anti-inflammatory properties.

Phenacetin is mainly used as an antipyretic analgesic, with slow and lasting effects, treating headaches, neuralgia, joint pain, and fever, and weakly resisting rheumatism and inflammation. Because of toxic side effects and the rapid development of similar drugs, however, it is no longer used alone, only as a raw material in combination with other drugs. Commonly combined with aspirin and caffeine to form a less toxic compound aspirin used to treat the common cold. Can make chlorpheniramine cold tablets by adding a small amount of chlorpheniramine to the above compound, used to treat colds with headache, neuralgia, rheumatism, etc. Can be used as a material for organic synthesis or a pharmaceutical intermediate.

Side Effects

Long term use may cause renal papillary necrosis and interstitial nephritis, and even induce renal pelvic cancer and bladder cancer. Phenacetin also makes the hemoglobin to form methemoglobin, decreasing blood oxygen carrying capacity, causing cyanosis. In addition, Phenacetin can cause hemolysis and hemolytic anemia, and is toxic to the retina. Long term use may cause also lead to dependence. Countries including America, Britain, German, and Japan have banned Phenacetin, or required packaging to note that it is "not indicated for long-term usage or large doses."