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Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Methadone

Also known as dl-Methadone, Diaminon, Phenadone

CAS 76-99-3Formula C21H27NOMolar mass 309.45 g/molEC 200-996-9
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant Prohibited, not for trade Drug substance
Why it is not for trade
Methadone chemical structure, C21H27NO, CAS 76-99-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Physical form
Solid
Melting point
99.5 °C
Solubility
Platelets from alcohol + ether, mp, 235 °C, bitter taste, UV maximum, 292 nm, solubility…
HS code
292231
Category
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

What is Methadone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methadone is a racemate comprising equimolar amounts of dextromethadone and levomethadone. It is a opioid analgesic which is used as a painkiller and as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, a NMDA receptor antagonist and an environmental contaminant. It contains a levomethadone and a dextromethadone.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one
CAS number
76-99-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-996-9
Molecular formula
C21H27NO
UNII
UC6VBE7V1Z
InChIKey
USSIQXCVUWKGNF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C21H27NO/c1-5-20(23)21(16-17(2)22(3)4,18-12-8-6-9-13-18)19-14-10-7-11-15-19/h6-15,17H,5,16H2,1-4H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCC(=O)C(CC(C)N(C)C)(C1=CC=CC=C1)C2=CC=CC=C2

Synonyms

  • dl-Methadone
  • Diaminon
  • Phenadone
  • Dolophin
  • Heptadone
  • Ketalgin
  • Methadon
  • Adanon
  • Amidone
  • Algovetin
  • Heptanon
  • Physeptone
  • Racemic methadone
  • (+-)-Methadone
  • Methadonum
  • Metadona
  • Metasedin
  • 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one
  • Eptadone
  • Methadona
  • 3-Heptanone, 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenyl-
  • 6-Dimethylamino-4,4-diphenyl-3-heptanone
  • Polamivet
  • 6-(Dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenyl-3-heptanone
  • 3-14-00-00279 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
Show all 34 synonyms
  • Methadonum (Latin)
  • Phymet
  • Depridol
  • Polamidon
  • Sedo-Rapide
  • (+/-)-Methadone
  • Heptanon (pharmaceutical)
  • Metadone
  • Dolophine HCL

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

Physical form
Solidexp.
Melting point
99.5 °Cexp.
Solubility
Platelets from alcohol + ether, mp, 235 °C, bitter taste, UV maximum, 292 nm, solubility (g/100 mL) water, 12, alcohol, 8, isopropanol, 2.4, Practically insoluble in ether, glycerol, pH of a 1% aqueous solution is 4.5-5.6 /Methadone…exp.

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
309.45 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
309.2093 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
4.29calc.
Topological polar surface area
20.31 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
7calc.
Heavy atoms
23calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
2calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.38calc.
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, c1ccc(Cc2ccccc2)cc1

c1ccc(Cc2ccccc2)cc1

2 rings, 13 atoms, the Diphenylmethane ring system.

8,982 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

Hazard statements

  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (13)
  • 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.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • 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

Methadone suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Narcotic drug

Methadone 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 2922.31 (methadone and related analgesics)

Our policy on controlled substances

Methadone 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

Methadone (DEA Code Number: 9250) 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.

Veterinary medication:.

Analgesics, Opioid, Antitussive Agents, Narcotics.

Use classes: Pharmaceuticals, Nervous System.

Pharmacological actions

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Antitussive Agents
  • Narcotics

Roles

  • NMDA receptor antagonist
  • agonist
  • analgesic
  • antagonist
  • anti-HIV agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antiviral agent
  • environmental contaminant
  • excitatory amino acid antagonist
  • mu-opioid agent
  • mu-opioid receptor agonist
  • neurotransmitter agent
  • opioid agent
  • opioid analgesic
  • opioid receptor agonist
  • pharmaceutical
  • serotonergic drug
  • serotonin uptake inhibitor
  • xenobiotic

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Methadone is an Opioid Agonist. The mechanism of action of methadone is as a Full Opioid Agonist.

How it is made

Diphenylacetonitrile is condensed with 2-chloro-1-dimethylaminopropane in presence of sodamide, yielding 4-(dimethylamino)-2,2-diphenylvaleronitrile and an unwanted isomeric nitrile in approximately equal amounts. The isomers are separated and the former is subjected to Grignard addition with ethyl magnesium bromide. Subsequent hydrolysis in the presence of hydrochloric acid yields methadone hydrochloride. (Methadone hydrochloride)

Dimethylisopropanolamine + diphenylacetonitrile + ethylmagnesium bromide (alcohol chlorination/dehydrochlorination/Grignard reaction/hydrolysis).

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Narcotic drug

Methadone 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 2922.31 (methadone 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 Methadone is traded under.

HS 2922.31Exact HS code

Amfepramone (INN), methadone (INN) and normethadone (INN), salts thereof

World exports in 2024
$10.4M
−27.4% vs 2023, imports $8.56M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Switzerland * partner reported26.4%
  2. India * partner reported21.1%
  3. Slovakia10.0%
Top importers
  1. Italy17.5%
  2. Germany15.5%
  3. Poland10.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

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

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

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a racemate comprising equimolar amounts of dextromethadone and levomethadone. It is a opioid analgesic which is used as a painkiller and as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction.

What is the CAS number of Methadone?

The CAS registry number of Methadone is 76-99-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methadone?

The molecular formula of Methadone is C21H27NO and its molar mass is 309.45 g/mol.

What is Methadone used for?

Methadone (DEA Code Number: 9250) 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 seve…

Is Methadone hazardous?

Methadone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: fatal if swallowed, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methadone?

Methadone is usually classified under HS code 292231 (Amfepramone (INN), methadone (INN) and normethadone (INN), salts thereof). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Methadone on CompoundList?

No. Methadone 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 Methadone

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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