Description
Industrial Grade Carfentanil (CAS 59708-52-0) – Comprehensive Product Guide
Chemical & Pharmacological Profile
| Property | Data |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Methyl 1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-[phenyl(propanoyl)amino]piperidine-4-carboxylate |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₃₀N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 394.5 g/mol |
| Drug Class | Synthetic opioid; 4-anilidopiperidine derivative |
| Mechanism | μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist |
| Potency | ~10,000× morphine; ~100× fentanyl |
Legitimate Use
Veterinary Medicine: Carfentanil is FDA-approved strictly as a tranquilizing agent for large wildlife only (elephants, elk, moose, bears). It is formulated as Wildnil® (veterinary label) and administered via projectile dart delivery systems by licensed veterinarians and wildlife professionals. It has no approved human medical use.
Pharmacodynamics
- Onset: Rapid (minutes)
- Duration: Extended (60–120 minutes in large mammals)
- Receptor Affinity: Extremely high binding affinity at μ-opioid receptors (Ki ≈ 0.024 nM)
- Therapeutic Index: Extremely narrow; lethal dose approximates effective dose
Regulatory Status
| Jurisdiction | Classification |
|---|---|
| United States | Schedule II Controlled Substance (DEA) |
| United Kingdom | Class A drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) |
| European Union | Subject to control under Council Decision 2005/387/JHA |
| UN Convention | Schedule I (Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs) |
Safety & Toxicity
Carfentanil poses severe public health risks due to its extreme potency and ability to be absorbed through skin, inhaled, or ingested. Doses as small as 2 milligrams can be lethal to humans. It has been associated with overdose clusters when analogues contaminate heroin or counterfeit pharmaceutical supplies.
Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan) is the reversal agent, though multiple doses (4–10 mg+) may be required due to carfentanil’s high receptor affinity and prolonged binding.
Chemical Synthesis
Produced via standard 4-anilidopiperidine synthetic routes; precursor chemicals (N-phenethyl-4-piperidone, aniline derivatives) are internationally monitored under precursor control regulations.
