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Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Codeine

Also known as Methylmorphine, Codicept, Codeine anhydrous

CAS 76-57-3Formula C18H21NO3Molar mass 299.37 g/molEC 200-969-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard Prohibited, not for trade Drug substance
Why it is not for trade
Codeine chemical structure, C18H21NO3, CAS 76-57-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Orthorhombic crystals from water, dilute alcohol, ether
Melting point
157.5 °C
Boiling point
250 °C
Density
1.32 at 68 °F - Denser than water, will sink
Flash point
75 °C
HS code
293911
Category
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

What is Codeine?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Codeine is a morphinane alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum var. album, has analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrhoeal properties. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, an antitussive, an opioid receptor agonist, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a morphinane alkaloid and an organic heteropentacyclic compound. It is functionally related to a morphine. It is a conjugate base of a codeine(1+).

Codeine is an opiate used to treat pain.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol
CAS number
76-57-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-969-1
Molecular formula
C18H21NO3
UNII
UX6OWY2V7J
InChIKey
OROGSEYTTFOCAN-DNJOTXNNSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C18H21NO3/c1-19-8-7-18-11-4-5-13(20)17(18)22-16-14(21-2)6-3-10(15(16)18)9-12(11)19/h3-6,11-13,17,20H,7-9H2,1-2H3/t11-,12+,13-,17-,18-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
COc1ccc2c3c1OC1C(O)C=CC4C(C2)N(C)CCC341
Isomeric SMILES
CN1CC[C@]23[C@@H]4[C@H]1CC5=C2C(=C(C=C5)OC)O[C@H]3[C@H](C=C4)O

Synonyms

  • Methylmorphine
  • Codicept
  • Codeine anhydrous
  • Coducept
  • l-Codeine
  • Morphine monomethyl ether
  • (-)-Codeine
  • O3-Methylmorphine
  • codeinum
  • Codeine base
  • Morphine 3-methyl ether
  • Norcodine, N-methyl
  • Norcodeine, N-methyl
  • Codeine polistirex
  • Morphine-3-methyl ether
  • codeina
  • Codeinum monohydricum
  • O(3)-methylmorphine
  • IDS-NC-005(SECT.-2)
  • 7,8-Didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-ol
  • 7,8-didehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6alpha-ol
  • Morphinan-6-ol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-, (5alpha,6alpha)-
  • Morphinan-6alpha-ol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-
  • DEA No. 9050
  • (5alpha,6alpha)-7,8-Didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-ol
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Morphinan-6-alpha-ol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-
  • Morphinan-6-ol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-, (5-alpha,6-alpha)-
  • (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol
  • N Methylmorphine
  • (1S,5R,13R,14S,17R)-10-methoxy-4-methyl-12-oxa-4-azapentacyclo(9.6.1.0^(1,13).0^(5,17).0^(7,18))octadeca-7(18),8,10,15-tetraen-14-ol
  • (1S,5R,13R,14S,17R)-10-methoxy-4-methyl-12-oxa-4-azapentacyclo(9.6.1.0^(1,13).0^(5,17).0^(7,18))octadeca-7,9,11(18),15-tetraen-14-ol
  • (1S,5R,13R,14S,17R)-10-methoxy-4-methyl-12-oxa-4-azapentacyclo[9.6.1.0^{1,13}.0^{5,17}.0^{7,18}]octadeca-7(18),8,10,15-tetraen-14-ol
  • (1S,5R,13R,14S,17R)-10-methoxy-4-methyl-12-oxa-4-azapentacyclo[9.6.1.0^{1,13}.0^{5,17}.0^{7,18}]octadeca-7,9,11(18),15-tetraen-14-ol
  • (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro(3,2-e)isoquinolin-7-ol
  • (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro(3,2-e)isoquinoline-7-ol
  • Codein
  • Codeine Anhydrate
  • Codeine (1.0 mg/mL in Methanol)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Orthorhombic crystals from water, dilute alcohol, etherexp.
Melting point
157.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
250 °Cexp.
Density
1.32 at 68 °F - Denser than water, will sinkexp.
Flash point
75 °Cexp.
Solubility
Soluble in waterexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
299.37 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
299.1521 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.5calc.
Topological polar surface area
41.93 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
22calc.
Rings
5calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.56calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
5calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1=CC2C3Cc4cccc5c4C2(CCN3)C(C1)O5

C1=CC2C3Cc4cccc5c4C2(CCN3)C(C1)O5

5 rings, 18 atoms.

246 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • H361dSuspected of damaging the unborn child.
  • H362May cause harm to breast-fed children.
Precautionary statements (24)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P263Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Codeine suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Narcotic drug

Codeine is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2939.11 (opium alkaloids and their derivatives)

Our policy on controlled substances

Codeine price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

Prices are not shown for prohibited substances.

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Analgesics, Opioid, Antitussive Agents, Narcotics.

Codeine (DEA Code Number: 9050) is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Schedule II Controlled Substance: (A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse, (B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions, and (C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Codeine is an opiate, a component of opium, and an opioid agonist used as an analgesic, antitussive, and antidiarrheal agent. In Europe, codeine has been used in an illicit synthetic opioid mixture including hydrocodone and dihydrocodeine, called Brown.

Use classes: Pharmaceuticals, Anaesthetics.

Pharmacological actions

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Antitussive Agents
  • Narcotics

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • agonist
  • allergen
  • analgesic
  • antitussive
  • drug allergen
  • environmental contaminant
  • neurotransmitter agent
  • opioid agent
  • opioid analgesic
  • opioid receptor agonist
  • pharmaceutical
  • pro-agent
  • prodrug
  • xenobiotic

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Codeine anhydrous is an Opioid Agonist. The mechanism of action of codeine anhydrous is as a Full Opioid Agonist.

How it is made

Codeine is extracted from opium (concentration in opium 0.7 to 2.5%, depending on the source), but mostly prepared by methylation of morphine in a phase transfer reaction.

Although some codeine is obtained from opium directly, the quantity is not sufficient to meet the extensive use of this alkaloid as a valuable medicinal agent. Much more codeine is used than morphine. This need is met by making it by partial synthesis from morphine. The process involves methylating the phenolic OH of the latter with phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide.

Read more

Dry morphine is dissolved in a solution of potassium hydroxide in absolute alcohol, the methylating agent added, and the solution heated. After cooling, water is added, the solution is acidified with sulfuric acid, the dimethylaniline product separated, and the alcohol removed by distillation. Treatment with caustic soda solution precipitates the codeine, while any unreacted morphine is held in solution by the sodium hydroxide. The crude codeine is purified by crystallization as the sulfate.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Narcotic drug

Codeine is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2939.11 (opium alkaloids and their derivatives)

Our policy on controlled substances

Controls

  • US DEA controlled substance or listed chemical
  • Controlled narcotic drug

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Codeine is traded under.

HS 2939.11Exact HS code

Concentrates of poppy straw, buprenorphine (INN), codeine, dihydrocodeine (INN)…

World exports in 2024
$246M
−3.8% vs 2023, imports $339M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United Kingdom33.3%
  2. Spain21.3%
  3. Czech Republic8.6%
Top importers
  1. United States30.8%
  2. United Kingdom13.2%
  3. Germany6.3%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Codeine is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Codeine, based on the data on this page

What is Codeine?

Codeine is a morphinane alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum var. album, has analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrhoeal properties. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, an antitussive, an opioid receptor agonist, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen.

What is the CAS number of Codeine?

The CAS registry number of Codeine is 76-57-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Codeine?

The molecular formula of Codeine is C18H21NO3 and its molar mass is 299.37 g/mol.

What is Codeine used for?

Analgesics, Opioid, Antitussive Agents, Narcotics. Codeine (DEA Code Number: 9050) is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Is Codeine hazardous?

Codeine carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Codeine?

Codeine is usually classified under HS code 293911 (Concentrates of poppy straw, buprenorphine (INN), codeine, dihydrocodeine (INN)…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Codeine on CompoundList?

No. Codeine is on our prohibited list, so listings, quotes and messages for it are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Codeine

Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page

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