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Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Capsaicin

CAS: 404-86-4

Overview

Capsaicin (CAS 404-86-4 ), also marketed under the brand names Zostrix and Qutenza®, is the primary pungency compound derived from chili peppers. It is used across pharmaceutical and personal care applications as an active ingredient.

With FEMA number 3404 , it is a recognized flavoring substance in regulated contexts. Its commercial value lies in its activity as a topical analgesic agent and as a functional ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it is the active substance in prescription-strength topical patches and over-the-counter creams. These are formulated for localized pain relief, particularly in neuropathic and musculoskeletal indications.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into warming hair care products and scalp serums where stimulation of blood flow is desired. It is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate in the synthesis of drug delivery systems.

In functional food and flavor applications, it serves as a regulated pungency reference compound for product standardization. Capsaicin is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder with synthetic and natural grades.

Standard commercial grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP and Ph. Eur. specifications. Technical-grade material is also available for non-regulated applications requiring specific pungency levels.

Concentration and purity specifications typically range from 95% to 99%+ for pharmaceutical procurement. This ensures consistent performance in both medical formulations and high-end personal care products globally.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point65 °C
Boiling Point210-220 °C @ Press: 0.01 Torr
Density1.1037 (rough estimate)
Flash Point113 °C
AppearanceCrystalline solid, rectangular plates, or scales. Pungent odor and burning taste.
ColorOff-white
Odormild warm herbal
FormOff-white solid
Water Solubilityinsoluble
Refractive Index1.5100 (estimate)
Log P4.00

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral] H315 Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation] H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin] H319 Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory] H335 May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29339900
UN Number2811
ADR Class6.1
Packing GroupII
Storage Class6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2 very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)3

Other Names

Zostrix | trans-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide | Qutenza® | Isodecenoic acid vanillylamide | (E)-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide | trans-Capsaicin | Styptysat | Axsain

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
404-86-4
EC Number
206-969-8
Mol. Weight
305.4
HS Code
29339900

Industries

Documentation