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Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Meperidine

Also known as Pethidine, Isonipecaine, Pethidineter

CAS 57-42-1Formula C15H21NO2Molar mass 247.34 g/molEC 200-329-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard Prohibited, not for trade Drug substance
Why it is not for trade
Meperidine chemical structure, C15H21NO2, CAS 57-42-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
57-42-1
Formula
C15H21NO2
Appearance
Solid
Solubility
In water, 3.22 × 10⁺³ mg/L at 30 °C
HS code
293333
Category
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

What is Meperidine?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Pethidine is a piperidinecarboxylate ester that is piperidine which is substituted by a methyl group at position 1 and by phenyl and ethoxycarbonyl groups at position 4. It is an analgesic which is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and labour pain. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, an antispasmodic drug, a mu-opioid receptor agonist and a kappa-opioid receptor agonist. It is an ethyl ester, a piperidinecarboxylate ester and a tertiary amino compound. It is a conjugate base of a pethidine(1+).

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
ethyl 1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylate
CAS number
57-42-1 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 53484-75-6
EC number
200-329-1
Molecular formula
C15H21NO2
UNII
9E338QE28F
InChIKey
XADCESSVHJOZHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C15H21NO2/c1-3-18-14(17)15(9-11-16(2)12-10-15)13-7-5-4-6-8-13/h4-8H,3,9-12H2,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCOC(=O)C1(CCN(CC1)C)C2=CC=CC=C2

Synonyms

  • Pethidine
  • Isonipecaine
  • Pethidineter
  • Meperidol
  • Pethanol
  • Pethidin
  • Phetidine
  • Nemerol
  • Pipersal
  • Ethyl 1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylate
  • Petydyna
  • Petidina
  • Pethidinum
  • Ethyl 1-methyl-4-phenylisonipecotate
  • Renaudin
  • Pethidine DBL
  • 4-Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-, ethyl ester
  • Dolsin
  • Lydol
  • Methyl phenylpiperidine carbonic acid ethyl ester
  • Isonipecotic acid, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-, ethyl ester
  • N-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-carbethoxypiperidine
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenylisonipecotic acid, ethyl ester
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester
Show all 36 synonyms
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-piperidin-4-carbon-saeure-aethylester
  • Isonipecain
  • Operidine EPJ I
  • Dolcontral
  • Dolosal
  • Demerol
  • Pethidine (INN)
  • meperidina
  • Meperidine-d5
  • Demarol
  • Piperosal

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
Solidexp.
Solubility
In water, 3.22 × 10⁺³ mg/L at 30 °Cexp.

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
247.34 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
247.1572 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
2.21calc.
Topological polar surface area
29.54 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
18calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.53calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
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, c1ccc(C2CCNCC2)cc1

c1ccc(C2CCNCC2)cc1

2 rings, 12 atoms, the 4-Phenylpiperidine ring system.

3,686 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)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H301 + H331Toxic if swallowed. Toxic if inhaled.
  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H331Toxic if inhaled.
  • H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (22)
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P342 + P316If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • 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

Meperidine suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Narcotic drug

Meperidine 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 2933.33 (fentanyls and related analgesics)

Our policy on controlled substances

Meperidine 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

Pethidine (meperidine) (DEA Code Number: 9230) 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.

Analgesics, Opioid, Adjuvants, Anesthesia, Narcotics.

Veterinary medication:.

Use classes: Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacological actions

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia
  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Narcotics

Roles

  • agonist
  • analgesic
  • antispasmodic drug
  • kappa-opioid agent
  • kappa-opioid receptor agonist
  • mu-opioid agent
  • mu-opioid receptor agonist
  • muscle relaxant
  • neuromuscular agent
  • neurotransmitter agent
  • opioid agent
  • opioid analgesic
  • opioid receptor agonist
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Meperidine is an Opioid Agonist. The mechanism of action of meperidine is as a Full Opioid Agonist.

How it is made

Preperation: Eisleb, United States of America patent 2167351 (1939 to Winthrop).

Methyldiethanolamine + benzyl chloride + ethanol (alcohol chlorination/dehydrochlorination/nitrile hydrolysis/esterification)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Narcotic drug

Meperidine 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 2933.33 (fentanyls and related analgesics)

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 Meperidine is traded under.

HS 2933.33Exact HS code

Alfentanil (INN), anileridine (INN), bezitramide (INN), bromazepam (INN), carfentanil…

World exports in 2024
$83.8M
+13.4% vs 2023, imports $95.2M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Switzerland * partner reported31.1%
  2. United States17.5%
  3. India * partner reported16.0%
Top importers
  1. Germany27.9%
  2. Spain12.8%
  3. Brazil9.4%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

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

The HS code shown for Meperidine 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 Meperidine, based on the data on this page

What is Meperidine?

Pethidine is a piperidinecarboxylate ester that is piperidine which is substituted by a methyl group at position 1 and by phenyl and ethoxycarbonyl groups at position 4. It is an analgesic which is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and labour pain.

What is the CAS number of Meperidine?

The CAS registry number of Meperidine is 57-42-1. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 53484-75-6.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Meperidine?

The molecular formula of Meperidine is C15H21NO2 and its molar mass is 247.34 g/mol.

What is Meperidine used for?

Pethidine (meperidine) (DEA Code Number: 9230) is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Is Meperidine hazardous?

Meperidine carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed. toxic if inhaled, toxic if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Meperidine?

Meperidine is usually classified under HS code 293333 (Alfentanil (INN), anileridine (INN), bezitramide (INN), bromazepam (INN), carfentanil…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Meperidine on CompoundList?

No. Meperidine 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 Meperidine

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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