A

Adrenaline

IUPAC: 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol

C9H13NO3 Organic Compounds CAS 51-43-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC9H13NO3
CAS Number51-43-4
Molecular Weight183.20
Melting Point412 to 414 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point215
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEpinephrine appears as white to nearly-white microcrystalline powder or granules. Odorless. Melting point 211-212 °C. Aqueous solutions are slightly alkaline. Slightly bitter, numbing taste.
Also Known As4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol; epinephrine; l-Adrenaline; Adrenalin; Levoepinephrine; Epinefrina; Nephridine; Adnephrine; Chelafrin; Epinephran
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Adrenaline?

(R)-adrenaline is the R-enantiomer of adrenaline. It is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands resulting in the 'fight-or-flight' response. It has a role as a hormone, a beta-adrenergic agonist, a bronchodilator agent, a sympathomimetic agent, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, a vasodilator agent, an adrenergic agonist, a mydriatic agent, a vasoconstrictor agent and a mouse metabolite. It is a conjugate base of a (R)-adrenaline(1+). It is an enantiomer of a (S)-adrenaline.

Formula & Notation

C9H13NO3

IUPAC Name: 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol

Other Names / Synonyms: 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol; epinephrine; l-Adrenaline; Adrenalin; Levoepinephrine; Epinefrina; Nephridine; Adnephrine; Chelafrin; Epinephran

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Epinephrine appears as white to nearly-white microcrystalline powder or granules. Odorless. Melting point 211-212 °C. Aqueous solutions are slightly alkaline. Slightly bitter, numbing taste.. Molecular formula: C9H13NO3. Molecular weight: 183.20 g/mol. Boiling point: 215. Melting point: 412 to 414 °F (NTP, 1992). Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -1.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point412 to 414 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point215
Molecular Weight183.20
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEpinephrine appears as white to nearly-white microcrystalline powder or granules. Odorless. Melting point 211-212 °C. Aqueous solutions are slightly alkaline. Slightly bitter, numbing taste.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Adrenaline
Formula C9H13NO3
CAS Number 51-43-4
Molecular Weight 183.20
Synonyms 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2-diol; epinephrine; l-Adrenaline; Adrenalin; Levoepinephrine; Epinefrina; Nephridine; Adnephrine; Chelafrin; Epinephran

Frequently Asked Questions

(R)-adrenaline is the R-enantiomer of adrenaline. It is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands resulting in the 'fight-or-flight' response. It has a role as a hormone, a beta-adrenergic agonist, a bronchodilator agent, a sympathomimetic agent, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, a vasodilator agent, an adrenergic agonist, a mydriatic agent, a vasoconstrictor agent and a mouse metabolite. It is a conjugate base of a (R)-adrenaline(1+). It is an enantiomer of a (S)-adrenaline.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.