Rofecoxib
Also known as Vioxx, Ceoxx, 4-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenylfuran-2(5H)-one
Key facts
What buyers check first
- CAS number
- 162011-90-7
- Formula
- C17H14O4S
- Appearance
- White to off-white to light yellow powder
- Solubility
- Sparingly soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in methanol and isopropyl acetate, very s…
- HS code
- 293220
- Category
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

What is Rofecoxib?
Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms
Rofecoxib is a butenolide that is furan-2(5H)-one substituted by a phenyl group at position 3 and by a p-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl group at position 4. A selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, it was used from 1999 to 2004 for the treatment of ostoarthritis, but was withdrawn following concerns about an associated increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It has a role as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an analgesic and a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor. It is a sulfone and a butenolide.
Identifiers
Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy
- IUPAC name
- 3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-4-phenyl-2H-furan-5-one
- CAS number
- 162011-90-7 CAS number cross-checked
- EC number
- 803-260-0
- Molecular formula
- C17H14O4S
- UNII
- 0QTW8Z7MCR
- MDL number
- MFCD00935806
- InChIKey
- RZJQGNCSTQAWON-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C17H14O4S/c1-22(19,20)14-9-7-12(8-10-14)15-11-21-17(18)16(15)13-5-3-2-4-6-13/h2-10H,11H2,1H3
- SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
- CS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)OC2)C3=CC=CC=C3
Synonyms
- Vioxx
- Ceoxx
- 4-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenylfuran-2(5H)-one
- MK 966
- 4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-phenylfuran-2(5H)-one
- Vioxx Dolor
- 4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2(5H)-furanone
- rofecoxibum
- 3-phenyl-4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2(5H)-furanone
- 4-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenyl-2(5H)-furanone
- 4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one
- 3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2(5H)-furanone
- 4-(4'-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenyl-2(5H)-furanone
- 3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-4-phenyl-2H-furan-5-one
- MK 0966
- 2(5H)-Furanone, 4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-phenyl-
- 4-(p-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenyl-2(5H)-furanone
- 4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one
- refecoxib
- Vioxx-d5 (Major)
- 2(5H)-Furanone, 4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-phenyl-
- ceeoxx
- Vioxx (trademark)
- Vioxx (TN)
- Rofecoxib (JAN/USAN/INN)
Show all 30 synonymsShow fewer synonyms
- 3-Phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl))-2(5H)-furanone
- Ceoxx,
- Vioxx,
- Rofecoxib (Standard)
- MK 0996
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 | White to off-white to light yellow powderexp.Measured value |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Sparingly soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in methanol and isopropyl acetate, very slightly soluble in ethanol, practically insoluble in octanol, and insoluble in water.exp.Measured value |
| Vapour pressure | 3.2 × 10⁻⁹ mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/exp.Measured value |
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 | 314.36 g/molcalc.Computed value |
|---|---|
| Exact mass | 314.0613 Dacalc.Computed value |
| LogP (octanol/water) | 2.56calc.Computed value |
| Topological polar surface area | 60.44 Ųcalc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 0calc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 4calc.Computed value |
| Rotatable bonds | 3calc.Computed value |
| Heavy atoms | 22calc.Computed value |
| Rings | 3calc.Computed value |
| Aromatic rings | 2calc.Computed value |
| Fraction sp3 carbons | 0.12calc.Computed value |
| Formal charge | 0calc.Computed value |
| Stereocentres | 0calc.Computed value |
| Lipinski rule of five | Passes (0 violations)calc.Computed value |
Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.
Murcko scaffold
The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed
O=C1OCC(c2ccccc2)=C1c1ccccc1
3 rings, 18 atoms, the 3,4-Diphenyl-5H-furan-2-one ring system.
30 other chemicals share this scaffoldSafety and hazards
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet
Hazard statements
- H302Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary statements (5)
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
- P330Rinse mouth.
- 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 aidRofecoxib suppliers
Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings
- China, JintanUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- China, NanjingUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
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- United States, San DiegoUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United States, San DiegoUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- China, NanjingUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United States, Monmouth JunctionUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Price on request
- United States, HoustonUnclaimed profileRofecoxibGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
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Where suppliers are based
80 suppliers in 14 countries
- United States33
- China24
- Germany4
- United Kingdom4
- Spain3
- Canada2
- and 8 more countries
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Rofecoxib 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
Medication: anti-inflammatory.
Use classes: Pharmaceuticals.
Industries and functions
Pharmacological actions
- Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
Roles
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory agent
- anti-inflammatory drug
- antineoplastic agent
- antirheumatic drug
- cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor
- enzyme inhibitor
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- pharmaceutical
Pharmacology
Rofecoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal derivative of phenyl-furanone with antiinflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties and potential antineoplastic properties. Rofecoxib binds to and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in an inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. COX-related metabolic pathways may represent key regulators of cell proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Some epithelial tumor cell types overexpress pro-angiogenic COX-2. (NCI04)
How it is made
Condensation of phenylacetic acid with ethyl bromoacetate in the presence of triethylamine in THF yields ethyl 2-(phenylacetoxy)acetate, which is cyclized to the hydroxyfuranone using potassium tert-butoxide in tert-butanol. The reaction with trifluorosulfonyl anhydride and diisopropylethylamine in CH2Cl2 affords the corresponding trifluorosulfonate, which by reaction with LiBr in hot acetone yields the bromofuranone. The coupling with 4-(methylsulfanyl)phenylboronic acid with Na2CO3 and Pd[(C6H5)3P]4 as catalysts in hot toluene gives 4-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-3-phenylfuran-2(5H)-one, which is finally oxidized with 2KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4(oxone)
Regulatory status
Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance
No regulatory list memberships are recorded for this substance yet. Always check the rules of the importing and exporting country before trade.
HS code and trade data
Customs classification and reported world trade statistics
Global trade
World import and export statistics for the HS code Rofecoxib is traded under.
Lactones
- United States14.2%
- India * partner reported13.5%
- Brazil8.5%
* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.
The HS code shown for Rofecoxib is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Rofecoxib, based on the data on this page
What is Rofecoxib?
What is the CAS number of Rofecoxib?
What is the molecular formula and weight of Rofecoxib?
What is Rofecoxib used for?
Is Rofecoxib hazardous?
What is the HS code of Rofecoxib?
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What is the price of Rofecoxib?
Guides for buyers
Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Rofecoxib
- Article, QualityPharma grades explained: IP vs BP vs USP vs EPWhat the Indian, British, US and European pharmacopoeias are, how their monographs differ, what multi grade claims mean and why a grade alone does not make a product fit for medicines.Read
- Guide, SafetyHow to read a safety data sheet in 10 minutesA section by section method to pull the essentials out of any 16 section SDS: identity, hazards, composition, storage, PPE, properties, transport and emergency measures.Read
- Guide, SafetyGHS pictograms, signal words and hazard statements explainedA practical guide to the nine GHS pictograms, the signal words Danger and Warning, H and P statements, and how to read a chemical label in seconds.Read
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