M

Methadone

IUPAC: 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one

C21H27NO Organic Compounds CAS 76-99-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC21H27NO
CAS Number76-99-3
Molecular Weight309.4
Melting Point235 °C
SolubilityPlatelets from alcohol + ether; mp, 235 °C; bitter taste; UV maximum, 292 nm; solubility (g/100 mL) water, 12; alcohol, 8; isopropanol, 2.4; Practically insoluble in ether, glycerol; pH of a 1% aq...
AppearanceSolid
Also Known As6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one; dl-Methadone; Diaminon; Phenadone; Dolophin; Heptadone; Ketalgin; Methadon; Adanon; Amidone
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a racemate comprising equimolar amounts of dextromethadone and levomethadone. It is a opioid analgesic which is used as a painkiller and as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, a NMDA receptor antagonist and an environmental contaminant. It contains a levomethadone and a dextromethadone.

Formula & Notation

C21H27NO

IUPAC Name: 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one

Other Names / Synonyms: 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one; dl-Methadone; Diaminon; Phenadone; Dolophin; Heptadone; Ketalgin; Methadon; Adanon; Amidone

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Solid. Molecular formula: C21H27NO. Molecular weight: 309.4 g/mol. Melting point: 235 °C. Solubility: Platelets from alcohol + ether; mp, 235 °C; bitter taste; UV maximum, 292 nm; solubility (g/100 mL) water, 12; alcohol, 8; isopropanol, 2.4; Practically insoluble in ether, glycerol; pH of a 1% aq.... LogP: 3.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point235 °C
Molecular Weight309.4
SolubilityPlatelets from alcohol + ether; mp, 235 °C; bitter taste; UV maximum, 292 nm; solubility (g/100 mL) water, 12; alcohol, 8; isopropanol, 2.4; Practically insoluble in ether, glycerol; pH of a 1% aq...
AppearanceSolid

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 Methadone
Formula C21H27NO
CAS Number 76-99-3
Molecular Weight 309.4
Synonyms 6-(dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-one; dl-Methadone; Diaminon; Phenadone; Dolophin; Heptadone; Ketalgin; Methadon; Adanon; Amidone

Frequently Asked Questions

Methadone is a racemate comprising equimolar amounts of dextromethadone and levomethadone. It is a opioid analgesic which is used as a painkiller and as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a xenobiotic, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, a NMDA receptor antagonist and an environmental contaminant. It contains a levomethadone and a dextromethadone.

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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.