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Oncology and immunology drugs

Melphalan

Also known as Melfalan, L-Sarcolysine, L-PAM

CAS 148-82-3Formula C13H18Cl2N2O2Molar mass 305.21 g/molEC 205-726-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Serious health hazard 65 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Melphalan chemical structure, C13H18Cl2N2O2, CAS 148-82-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Needles from methanol (monosolvate)
Melting point
182 to 183
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water
HS code
292249
Category
Oncology and immunology drugs
UN number
UN 2811
Illustrative photo, closed white HDPE bottles and amber jars on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Melphalan?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Melphalan is a phenylalanine derivative comprising L-phenylalanine having [bis(2-chloroethyl)amino group at the 4-position on the phenyl ring. It has a role as an alkylating agent, an antineoplastic agent, an immunosuppressive agent, a carcinogenic agent and a drug allergen. It is an organochlorine compound, a nitrogen mustard, a non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid and a L-phenylalanine derivative.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(2S)-2-amino-3-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]propanoic acid
CAS number
148-82-3 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 8057-25-8
EC number
205-726-3
Molecular formula
C13H18Cl2N2O2
UNII
Q41OR9510P
MDL number
MFCD00057717
InChIKey
SGDBTWWWUNNDEQ-LBPRGKRZSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C13H18Cl2N2O2/c14-5-7-17(8-6-15)11-3-1-10(2-4-11)9-12(16)13(18)19/h1-4,12H,5-9,16H2,(H,18,19)/t12-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
NC(Cc1ccc(N(CCCl)CCCl)cc1)C(=O)O
Isomeric SMILES
C1=CC(=CC=C1C[C@@H](C(=O)O)N)N(CCCl)CCCl

Synonyms

  • Melfalan
  • L-Sarcolysine
  • L-PAM
  • Phenylalanine mustard
  • L-Phenylalanine mustard
  • L-Sarcolysin
  • Levofalan
  • L-Sarkolysin
  • p-L-Sarcolysin
  • Levofolan
  • Levopholan
  • 4-[Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine
  • Melphalanum
  • Melfalano
  • Phenylalanine nitrogen mustard
  • CB 3025
  • p-Di-(2-chloroethyl)amino-L-phenylalanine
  • Alanine Nitrogen Mustard
  • (2S)-2-amino-3-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]propanoic acid
  • p-Bis(beta-chloroethyl)aminophenylalanine
  • L-3-(p-(Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)alanine
  • Sarcolycin, l-
  • 3-(p-(Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)-L-alanine
  • p-N-Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-L-phenylalanine
  • 4-(Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)-L-phenylalanine
Show all 39 synonyms
  • 3-p-(Di(2-chloroethyl)amino)-phenyl-L-alanine
  • SK 15673
  • Sarcoclorin
  • Mephalan
  • At-290
  • L-Phenylalanine, 4-(bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)-
  • L-3-(para-(Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)alanine
  • p-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-L-phenylalanine
  • Alanine, 3-(p-(bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)-, L-
  • 3025 C.B.
  • Alanine, 3-[p-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]-, L-
  • (2S)-2-amino-3-{4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl}propanoic acid
  • L-Phenylalanine, 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-
  • (2s)-2-amino-3-(4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl)propanoic acid

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
Needles from methanol (monosolvate)exp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Melting point
182 to 183exp.
Solubility
Practically insoluble 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
305.21 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
304.0745 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.93calc.
Topological polar surface area
66.56 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
8calc.
Heavy atoms
19calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.46calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
1calc.
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, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H340May cause genetic defects.
  • H350May cause cancer.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Precautionary statements (20)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all 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.
UN number
UN 2811

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

Melphalan suppliers

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All 65 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

65 suppliers in 13 countries

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Melphalan price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Insect chemosterilant.

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating, Myeloablative Agonists.

Used as a poison gas.

Industries and functions

Pharmacological actions

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Myeloablative Agonists

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • alkylating agent
  • allergen
  • anti-anaemic agent
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • antifibrotic agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • carcinogenic agent
  • drug allergen
  • genotoxin
  • immunomodulator
  • immunosuppressive agent
  • mutagen
  • pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Melphalan is an Alkylating Drug. The mechanism of action of melphalan is as an Alkylating Activity.

How it is made

L-3-Phenylalanine is nitrated and the p-nitro compound is reduced to L-3-(p-aminophenyl)alanine. This is reacted with ethylene oxide to form the corresponding bis(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino compound that then is treated with phosphoryl chloride to yield the drug.

Melphalan can be synthesized by treating p-nitro-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester ... with phthalic anhydride and then with hydrochloric acid to yield p-nitro-N-phthaloyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester. This product is then hydrogenated and treated with ammonia and ethylene oxide to give p-di-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-N-alpha-phthaloyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester. Chlorination with phosphorus oxychloride followed by hydrolysis yields melphalan.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

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 Melphalan is traded under.

HS 2922.49Indicative HS code

Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and…

World exports in 2024
$3.88B
−11.5% vs 2023, imports $3.87B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China38.7%
  2. India * partner reported8.3%
  3. Germany8.1%
Top importers
  1. United States13.4%
  2. Germany11.1%
  3. Japan6.6%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Melphalan is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Melphalan?

Melphalan is a phenylalanine derivative comprising L-phenylalanine having [bis(2-chloroethyl)amino group at the 4-position on the phenyl ring. It has a role as an alkylating agent, an antineoplastic agent, an immunosuppressive agent, a carcinogenic agent and a drug allergen.

What is the CAS number of Melphalan?

The CAS registry number of Melphalan is 148-82-3. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 8057-25-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Melphalan?

The molecular formula of Melphalan is C13H18Cl2N2O2 and its molar mass is 305.21 g/mol.

What is Melphalan used for?

Insect chemosterilant. Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating, Myeloablative Agonists. Used as a poison gas.

Is Melphalan hazardous?

Melphalan carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: fatal if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin, fatal if inhaled. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Melphalan?

Melphalan is usually classified under HS code 292249 (Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Melphalan?

CompoundList lists 65 suppliers of Melphalan in United States, China, India, Germany and 9 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Melphalan in India?

6 suppliers in India list Melphalan on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Melphalan?

Suppliers quote Melphalan on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

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

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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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