C

Codeine

IUPAC: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol

C18H21NO3 Organic Compounds CAS 76-57-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC18H21NO3
CAS Number76-57-3
Molecular Weight299.4
Melting Point309 to 313 °F (after drying at 176 °F) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point482 °F at 22 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.32 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCodeine appears as colorless to white crystalline solid or white powder. Sublimes at 284 °F. Odorless. Bitter taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 9.8. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol; Methylmorphine; Codicept; Codeine anhydrous; 76-57-3; Coducept; l-Codeine; Morphine monomethyl ether; (-)-Codeine; O3-Methylmorphine
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Codeine?

Codeine is a morphinane alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum var. album; has analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrhoeal properties. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, an antitussive, an opioid receptor agonist, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a morphinane alkaloid and an organic heteropentacyclic compound. It is functionally related to a morphine. It is a conjugate base of a codeine(1+).

Formula & Notation

C18H21NO3

IUPAC Name: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol; Methylmorphine; Codicept; Codeine anhydrous; 76-57-3; Coducept; l-Codeine; Morphine monomethyl ether; (-)-Codeine; O3-Methylmorphine

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Codeine appears as colorless to white crystalline solid or white powder. Sublimes at 284 °F. Odorless. Bitter taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 9.8. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C18H21NO3. Molecular weight: 299.4 g/mol. Boiling point: 482 °F at 22 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 309 to 313 °F (after drying at 176 °F) (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.32 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point309 to 313 °F (after drying at 176 °F) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point482 °F at 22 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.32 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight299.4
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCodeine appears as colorless to white crystalline solid or white powder. Sublimes at 284 °F. Odorless. Bitter taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 9.8. (NTP, 1992)

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 Codeine
Formula C18H21NO3
CAS Number 76-57-3
Molecular Weight 299.4
Synonyms (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-ol; Methylmorphine; Codicept; Codeine anhydrous; 76-57-3; Coducept; l-Codeine; Morphine monomethyl ether; (-)-Codeine; O3-Methylmorphine

Frequently Asked Questions

Codeine is a morphinane alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum var. album; has analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrhoeal properties. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, an antitussive, an opioid receptor agonist, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a morphinane alkaloid and an organic heteropentacyclic compound. It is functionally related to a morphine. It is a conjugate base of a codeine(1+).

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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.