Description
Diazepam Powder | Pharmaceutical-Grade Benzodiazepine Reference | GABA-A Research Standard
Welcome to BiosynLab, your trusted source for Schedule IV controlled substance analytical standards. Our Diazepam Powder—chemically synonymous with the proprietary pharmaceutical Valium®—represents pharmaceutical-grade purity synthesized exclusively for licensed neuropharmacology research institutions, forensic toxicology laboratories, and benzodiazepine receptor studies. This classic 1,4-benzodiazepine serves essential applications in GABAergic neurotransmission research, anxiolytic pharmacology, and analytical calibration for clinical and forensic applications.
What Is Diazepam?
Diazepam, with the systematic IUPAC name 7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, is a prototypical benzodiazepine first synthesized in 1959 by Hoffmann-La Roche chemist Leo Sternbach. Introduced to the market as Valium® in 1963, this compound revolutionized psychopharmacology by providing effective anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant activity with a significantly improved safety profile compared to earlier barbiturate sedatives.
As a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, diazepam enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) throughout the central nervous system. This mechanism produces its characteristic anxiolytic, hypnotic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and amnestic properties—making it indispensable for research into anxiety disorders, epilepsy, muscle spasticity, alcohol withdrawal, and the fundamental neurobiology of inhibitory neurotransmission.
Origin and Synthesis Excellence
Our diazepam powder originates from DEA-registered and internationally compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities employing established benzodiazepine synthesis protocols:
Manufacturing Process:
- Condensation of 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone with aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal
- Cyclization to form the 1,4-benzodiazepine core structure
- N-methylation at position 1
- Recrystallization and purification to pharmaceutical standards
Quality Verification:
- HPLC purity analysis (≥99%)
- Polymorph characterization (Form I/II identification)
- Residual solvent screening (GC-MS, ICH Q3C compliance)
- Heavy metals testing (USP <232>/<233>)
- Melting point determination (131-135°C)
- IR, NMR, and mass spectrometric confirmation
- Impurity profiling (desmethyldiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam)
Each batch is accompanied by comprehensive DEA documentation capability, Certificate of Analysis, and regulatory compliance verification suitable for institutional procurement.
Chemical Profile and Specifications
Molecular Characteristics:
- Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂O
- Molecular Weight: 284.74 g/mol
- CAS Number: 439-14-5
- Appearance: White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder
- Solubility: Soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol; slightly soluble in water
- pKa: 3.4 (benzodiazepine nitrogen)
- LogP: 2.82 (lipophilic, crosses blood-brain barrier readily)
Available Forms:
- Diazepam base powder
- Diazepam reference standard solution (1.0 mg/mL in methanol)
- Deuterated internal standards for LC-MS/MS (d5-diazepam)
- Related compound standards (desmethyldiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam)
Packaging:
- DEA-compliant amber glass vials with tamper-evident seals
- 100mg analytical standard quantities
- 1g, 5g institutional research packs
- Custom synthesis and stable isotope labeling available
Research Applications and Institutional Suitability
GABA-A Receptor Pharmacology: Diazepam serves as the reference standard for studying benzodiazepine binding sites on GABA-A receptor complexes. Research applications include:
- Alpha subunit specificity studies (α1, α2, α3, α5-containing receptors)
- Allosteric modulation mechanisms
- Structure-activity relationships in benzodiazepine design
- Tolerance and dependence mechanisms
- Inverse agonist and antagonist (flumazenil) interactions
Neuroscience and Psychiatry Research: Academic institutions utilize diazepam for:
- Anxiety disorder model validation
- Sleep architecture and EEG studies
- Epilepsy and seizure threshold research
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome modeling
- Cognitive effects of benzodiazepines (anterograde amnesia)
Forensic Toxicology: Essential reference material for:
- Post-mortem benzodiazepine screening
- Driving under the influence (DUID) cases
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) toxicology
- Workplace drug testing validation
- Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
Pharmaceutical Development: Contract research organizations employ diazepam standards for:
- Bioequivalence studies
- Pharmacokinetic profiling (half-life, volume of distribution)
- Metabolite identification (CYP2C19, CYP3A4 pathways)
- Formulation stability testing
- Novel benzodiazepine receptor modulator comparison
Veterinary Research: Diazepam remains important in veterinary medicine for sedation, seizure control, and appetite stimulation in small animals—requiring species-specific pharmacokinetic research.
Institutional Requirements:
- DEA Schedule IV registration (USA)
- Home Office Controlled Drug license (UK)
- Equivalent national controlled substance authorization
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval (animal studies)
- IRB approval (human subjects research)
Storage Requirements and Stability
Diazepam powder requires controlled storage to maintain pharmaceutical integrity:
Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C). Protect from freezing.
Security: DEA Schedule IV storage requirements:
- Locked cabinet or safe with restricted access
- Inventory logs and dispensing records
- Disposal documentation per DEA regulations
Container: Store in original amber glass containers with tight closures. Diazepam is light-sensitive—photodegradation produces 2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone and other impurities.
Stability: When stored under recommended conditions, diazepam maintains stability for 60+ months. Solutions in organic solvents stable for 12-24 months refrigerated.
Degradation Pathways: Hydrolysis (ring opening at acidic pH), photolysis, and oxidation to benzophenone derivatives.
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Status
Controlled Substance Classification:
- United States: Schedule IV (DEA)
- United Kingdom: Class C Controlled Drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971)
- European Union: Controlled under national drug laws (varies by member state)
- Canada: Schedule IV (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
- Australia: Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine)
- International: Schedule IV under UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971)
Purchase Restrictions: Diazepam can only be sold to:
- DEA-registered researchers and institutions (USA)
- NHS trusts and licensed research facilities (UK)
- Universities with controlled substance permits
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Forensic and clinical laboratories
Documentation Required:
- Valid DEA Schedule IV registration
- Institutional purchase authorization
- Research protocol and principal investigator credentials
- End-use and disposal certifications
No Individual Sales: We cannot fulfill orders to individuals or unlicensed entities. All orders undergo regulatory verification.
Safety Information and Responsible Research
Medical Disclaimer: Diazepam is a potent CNS depressant with significant abuse liability and dependence potential. It produces sedation, respiratory depression (especially in combination with opioids or alcohol), amnesia, and ataxia. This product is sold exclusively as an analytical reference standard for licensed institutional research. It is NOT intended for human self-administration or clinical use without medical supervision.
Health Risks: Misuse can cause:
- Respiratory depression and death (especially with polydrug use)
- Physical dependence and severe withdrawal syndrome
- Cognitive impairment and memory deficits
- Paradoxical reactions (agitation, aggression)
- Teratogenic effects (pregnancy category D)
Handling Requirements: Laboratory personnel should utilize appropriate PPE and ventilation. Benzodiazepines require secure storage and inventory control consistent with DEA Schedule IV protocols.
Why Institutions Choose BiosynLab Diazepam
Research universities, pharmaceutical developers, and forensic laboratories trust BiosynLab for benzodiazepine analytical standards due to our commitment to pharmacopeial quality, comprehensive documentation, and regulatory compliance. Our diazepam powder supports your GABA-A receptor research, forensic toxicology, and pharmaceutical development with the consistency that peer-reviewed science demands.
