Benzocaine Technical Product Description
Chemical Name: Benzocaine
IUPAC Name: Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate
CAS Number: 94-09-7
Molecular Formula: C9H11NO2
Molecular Weight: 165.19 g/mol
Physical Properties:
- State: Solid at room temperature
- Melting Point: 88-90°C
- Boiling Point: 310°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform.
Chemical Properties:
- pKa: 2.7
- LogP: 1.86
Structure: Benzocaine is composed of a benzene ring connected to an ester functional group.
Mechanism of Action: Benzocaine is a local anesthetic which acts by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channels in the nerve cell membrane. By inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses, benzocaine stabilizes the neuronal membrane and causes a loss of sensation.
Applications:
- Dental Procedures: Used as a topical agent to relieve pain during dental treatments.
- Oral Gels: Used to treat mouth ulcers and soothe teething pain in infants.
- Over-the-counter preparations: Found in products for relief from sore throats, sunburn, and minor skin irritations.
- Ear Drops: Employed to alleviate pain from ear infections.
Safety Information:
- LD50 (oral, rat): 1,710 mg/kg
- Overdose or prolonged application may result in methemoglobinemia, a condition where the blood cannot effectively carry oxygen. Symptoms include shortness of breath, blue-gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, and fatigue.
- Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
- Not for intravenous use.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life: 5 years from the manufacturing date when stored under recommended conditions.
Precautions:
- Always use as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Benzocaine may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience itching, redness, swelling, or rashes.
- Do not use on broken or inflamed skin.
Quality Control: Benzocaine products undergo rigorous testing to ensure their purity, potency, and safety. These tests include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity, infrared (IR) spectroscopy for molecular confirmation, and various assays to determine potency.
Conclusion: Benzocaine is a versatile local anesthetic with a wide range of medical and over-the-counter applications. Its unique chemical and pharmacological properties make it a valuable tool for pain and itch relief in various conditions. Always ensure you are sourcing high-quality benzocaine from reputable suppliers and use it as directed for maximum safety and efficacy.
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