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Respiratory, allergy and digestive drugs

Pseudoephedrine

Also known as d-Pseudoephedrine, Isoephedrine, trans-Ephedrine

CAS 90-82-4Formula C10H15NOMolar mass 165.24 g/molEC 202-018-6
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant Controlled, licensed buyers only Drug substance
Request as a licensed buyer Safety data
Pseudoephedrine chemical structure, C10H15NO, CAS 90-82-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals from ether
Melting point
118 to 118.7
Solubility
Sparingly sol in water, freely sol in alc or ether
HS code
293942
Category
Respiratory, allergy and digestive drugs

What is Pseudoephedrine?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Pseudoephedrine is a member of the class of the class of phenylethanolamines that is (1S)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethan-1-ol in which the pro-S hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a central nervous system drug, a bronchodilator agent, a sympathomimetic agent, a xenobiotic, an anti-asthmatic drug, a vasoconstrictor agent, a plant metabolite and a nasal decongestant. It is a member of phenylethanolamines, a secondary alcohol and a secondary amino compound. It is a conjugate base of a pseudoephedrine(1+).

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(1S,2S)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol
CAS number
90-82-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 4125-58-0
EC number
202-018-6
Molecular formula
C10H15NO
UNII
28S9JBG39X, 7CUC9DDI9F
InChIKey
KWGRBVOPPLSCSI-WCBMZHEXSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C10H15NO/c1-8(11-2)10(12)9-6-4-3-5-7-9/h3-8,10-12H,1-2H3/t8-,10+/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
CNC(C)C(O)c1ccccc1
Isomeric SMILES
C[C@@H]([C@H](C1=CC=CC=C1)O)NC

Synonyms

  • d-Pseudoephedrine
  • Isoephedrine
  • trans-Ephedrine
  • d-Isoephedrine
  • Psi-ephedrin
  • Psi-ephedrine
  • (+)-threo-Ephedrine
  • d-psi-Ephedrine
  • Pseudoefedrina
  • L(+)-psi-Ephedrine
  • L-(+)-Pseudoephedrine
  • (+)-psi-Ephedrine
  • Pseudoephedrinum
  • (+)-(1S,2S)-Pseudoephedrine
  • (1S,2S)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol
  • Neodurasina
  • Acunaso
  • (1S,2S)-(+)-Pseudoephedrine
  • d-psi-2-Methylamino-1-phenyl-1-propanol
  • psi-Ephedrine, (+)-
  • Isoephedrine, d-
  • Pseudoephedrine, (+)-
  • alpha-(1-(Methylamino)ethyl)benzyl alcohol
  • Benzenemethanol, alpha-(1-(methylamino)ethyl)-, (S-(R*,R*))-
  • (+) threo-2-(methylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Benzenemethanol, alpha-((1S)-1-(methylamino)ethyl)-, (alpha-S)-
  • Benzenemethanol, alpha-((1S)-1-(methylamino)ethyl)-, (alphaS)-
  • Ephedrine Threo
  • Pseudoephedrine D-
  • Threo Isomer of Ephedrine
  • (1S,2S)-2-methylamino-1-phenyl-propan-1-ol
  • (+)-Pseudoephedrine
  • Sudafed
  • Besan
  • Pseudoephedrine d-form
  • Pseudoephedrine (INN)
  • Pseudoephedrine, L-(+)-
  • Pseudoephedrine (D)

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
Crystals from etherexp.
Melting point
118 to 118.7exp.
Solubility
Sparingly sol in water, freely sol in alc or etherexp.

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
165.24 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
165.1154 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.33calc.
Topological polar surface area
32.26 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
12calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.4calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
2calc.
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
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (22)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • 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 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: 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

Pseudoephedrine suppliers

Controlled substance, listings of documented suppliers only, in the documented ranking

Drug precursor

Pseudoephedrine is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: UN Convention against Illicit Traffic 1988 Table I, India NDPS controlled substance, HS 2022 subheading 2939.42 (pseudoephedrine)

Our policy on controlled substances
No documented supplier lists it yet

Licensed buyers can post a request for Pseudoephedrine with their licence. Our compliance team reviews it before suppliers see it.

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Pseudoephedrine price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Optically pure amines used as resolving agents include alkaloids such as ...pseudoephedrine.

Because pseudoephedrine has been used in the clandestine synthesis of methamphetamine and methcathinone, both CNS stimulants with great potential for habituation and physical and/or psychic dependence, the US enacted the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 (US Public Law 104-237) and later the Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act (MAPA (US Public Law 106-310), title XXXVI of the Children's Health Act of 2000) to reduce the potential for misuse (diversion) of pseudoephedrine.

Therapeutic category: Decongestant (nasal).

Use classes: Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacological actions

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Nasal Decongestants

Roles

  • adrenergic agent
  • anti-allergic agent
  • anti-asthmatic agent
  • anti-asthmatic drug
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • antitussive
  • bronchodilator agent
  • cardiovascular drug
  • central nervous system drug
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • metabolite
  • nasal decongestant
  • neurotransmitter agent
  • pharmaceutical
  • plant metabolite
  • sympathomimetic agent
  • vasoconstrictor agent
  • xenobiotic

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Pseudoephedrine is an alpha-Adrenergic Agonist. The mechanism of action of pseudoephedrine is as an Adrenergic alpha-Agonist.

How it is made

Although pseudoephedrine occurs naturally as an alkaloid in certain plant species (for example, as a constituent of extracts from the ephedra species, also known as Ma Huang, in which it occurs together with other isomers of ephedrine), the majority of pseudoephedrine produced for commercial use is derived from yeast fermentation of dextrose in the presence of benzaldehyde.

Read more

In this process, specialized strains of yeast (typically a variety of Candida utilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are added to large vats containing water, dextrose and the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase (such as found in beets and other plants, inter alia). After the yeast has begun fermenting the dextrose, the benzaldehyde is added to the vats, and in this environment the yeast convert the precursor ingredients to L-phenylacetylcarbinol. (L-phenylacetylcarbinol) is then chemically converted to pseudoephedrine via reductive amination.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Drug precursor

Pseudoephedrine is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: UN Convention against Illicit Traffic 1988 Table I, India NDPS controlled substance, HS 2022 subheading 2939.42 (pseudoephedrine)

Our policy on controlled substances

Controls

  • US DEA controlled substance or listed chemical
  • Drug precursor (UN 1988 Convention)

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

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

HS 2939.42Exact HS code

Pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts

World exports in 2024
$40.1M
−25.9% vs 2023, imports $47.3M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany46.9%
  2. India * partner reported42.5%
  3. Singapore3.3%
Top importers
  1. United States13.3%
  2. Saudi Arabia6.6%
  3. South Korea6.4%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

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

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

What is Pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine is a member of the class of the class of phenylethanolamines that is (1S)-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethan-1-ol in which the pro-S hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by a methyl group.

What is the CAS number of Pseudoephedrine?

The CAS registry number of Pseudoephedrine is 90-82-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 4125-58-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Pseudoephedrine?

The molecular formula of Pseudoephedrine is C10H15NO and its molar mass is 165.24 g/mol.

What is Pseudoephedrine used for?

Optically pure amines used as resolving agents include alkaloids such as ...pseudoephedrine.

Is Pseudoephedrine hazardous?

Pseudoephedrine carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin, causes skin irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine is usually classified under HS code 293942 (Pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Pseudoephedrine on CompoundList?

Pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed by our compliance team before suppliers see it.

Guides for buyers

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

Request as a licensed buyer

Upload your licence with the request. Our compliance team reviews it before the documented suppliers see it.
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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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