Description
Ketamine HCl | Pharmaceutical-Grade Anesthetic Reference Standard | Dissociative Research Compound
Welcome to BiosynLab, your authoritative source for Schedule III controlled substance analytical standards. Our Ketamine Hydrochloride (HCl) represents the highest pharmaceutical-grade purity, manufactured exclusively for licensed anesthesia research programs, forensic toxicology laboratories, and psychiatric research institutions holding appropriate DEA and international controlled substance licensing. This NMDA receptor antagonist serves critical applications in dissociative anesthetic pharmacology, treatment-resistant depression studies, and veterinary medicine research.
What Is Ketamine HCl?
Ketamine hydrochloride is a dissociative anesthetic compound chemically classified as an arylcyclohexylamine derivative. With the systematic IUPAC name 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexan-1-one hydrochloride, this Schedule III controlled substance (USA) produces characteristic dissociative anesthesia through non-competitive antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. First synthesized in 1962 by Parke-Davis laboratories, ketamine revolutionized anesthetic practice due to its unique ability to produce profound analgesia and anesthesia while preserving respiratory drive and cardiovascular stability.
Unlike traditional GABAergic anesthetics, ketamine produces a “dissociative” state characterized by profound analgesia, amnesia, and catalepsy without unconsciousness, making it invaluable for battlefield medicine, veterinary procedures, and research into consciousness, perception, and novel antidepressant mechanisms. Its recent FDA-approved indication for treatment-resistant depression (Spravato®/esketamine) has expanded research interest in glutamatergic neurotransmission and rapid-acting antidepressant pharmacology.
Origin and Synthesis Protocol
Our ketamine HCl originates from DEA-registered and internationally compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities employing controlled synthesis under strict regulatory oversight:
Manufacturing Process:
- Formation of 2-chlorophenylcyclohexanone intermediate via Grignard reaction
- Alpha-bromination of the cyclohexanone ring
- Amination with methylamine in organic solvent
- Formation of hydrochloride salt through acidification
- Recrystallization for pharmaceutical purity
Analytical Verification:
- HPLC purity analysis (≥99%)
- Stereochemical confirmation (racemic mixture or enantiomeric specification)
- Residual solvent screening (GC-MS, ICH Q3C compliance)
- Heavy metals testing (USP <232>/<233>)
- Melting point determination (258-262°C with decomposition)
- IR and NMR spectroscopic confirmation
- Optical rotation (for enantiomeric purity if applicable)
Each production batch is accompanied by comprehensive DEA Form 222 documentation capability, Certificate of Analysis, and chain-of-custody verification suitable for institutional procurement standards.
Chemical Profile and Specifications
Molecular Characteristics:
- Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₁₆ClNO · HCl
- Molecular Weight: 274.19 g/mol (base: 237.73 g/mol)
- CAS Number: 1867-66-9 (ketamine base: 6740-88-1)
- Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
- Solubility: Freely soluble in water, methanol, ethanol; slightly soluble in chloroform
- pH (aqueous solution): 3.5-4.5 (10 mg/mL solution)
- pKa: 7.5
Available Forms:
- Racemic ketamine HCl (R/S mixture, 50:50)
- S(+)-ketamine HCl (Esketamine) – inquire for availability
- Deuterated internal standards for LC-MS/MS (d4-ketamine)
Packaging:
- DEA-compliant tamper-evident containers
- 100mg analytical standard vials
- 1g, 5g, 10g institutional research quantities
- Custom synthesis and isotopic labeling available
Research Applications and Institutional Suitability
Anesthesia and Critical Care Research: Academic medical centers investigate ketamine’s unique pharmacological profile for procedural sedation, acute pain management, and anesthetic maintenance in hemodynamically compromised patients. Research focuses on sympathomimetic effects, bronchodilation, and neuroprotective properties.
Psychiatric and Neuroscience Research: Following FDA approval of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, research institutions utilize ketamine HCl for:
- Mechanistic studies of rapid antidepressant action
- NMDA receptor antagonism and synaptic plasticity research
- Default mode network (DMN) disruption studies (fMRI/PET)
- Glutamate surge and BDNF expression research
- Dissociative effects and psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols
Forensic Toxicology: Essential reference material for:
- Post-mortem toxicology screening
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) testing
- Workplace drug screening validation
- Illicit substance identification and quantification
- Metabolite profiling (norketamine, dehydronorketamine, hydroxyketamine)
Veterinary Medicine Research: Ketamine remains widely used in veterinary anesthesia, particularly for feline and exotic animal procedures. Research applications include species-specific pharmacokinetics, anesthetic protocols, and drug interaction studies.
Neuropharmacology: NMDA receptor binding assays, sigma opioid receptor interactions, and dopaminergic modulation studies utilize ketamine as a reference antagonist.
Institutional Requirements:
- DEA Schedule III registration (USA)
- Home Office Controlled Drug license (UK)
- Equivalent national controlled substance authorization (EU, Canada, Australia)
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for human subjects research
- Veterinary DEA registration for animal research
Storage Requirements and Stability
Ketamine HCl requires meticulous storage to maintain analytical integrity and regulatory compliance:
Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C). Refrigeration not required but acceptable for long-term preservation.
Security: DEA Schedule III storage requirements mandate:
- Locked safe or vault with limited access
- Perpetual inventory logging
- Dual-control access procedures
- Regular physical counts and reconciliation
Container: Store in original tamper-evident containers. Ketamine HCl is hygroscopic—ensure tight sealing to prevent moisture absorption and degradation.
Light Protection: Store in amber containers or opaque storage. Photodegradation can produce dehydroketamine and other impurities.
Stability: When stored under recommended conditions, ketamine HCl maintains pharmaceutical stability for 36+ months. Aqueous solutions should be prepared fresh or stored refrigerated for limited periods (7-14 days) due to potential bacterial growth and hydrolysis.
Shelf Life: 36 months from manufacturing date with appropriate retest intervals per USP <795> and ICH Q1A guidelines.
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Status
Controlled Substance Classification:
- United States: Schedule III Non-Narcotic (DEA)
- United Kingdom: Class B Controlled Drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971)
- European Union: Controlled under national drug laws (varies by member state)
- Canada: Schedule I (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
- Australia: Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug)
- International: Schedule III under UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971)
Purchase Restrictions: Ketamine HCl can only be sold to:
- DEA-registered researchers and institutions (USA)
- NHS trusts and licensed private facilities (UK)
- Universities with controlled substance permits
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers with appropriate licensing
- Forensic laboratories with chain-of-custody protocols
Documentation Required:
- Valid DEA registration certificate
- Institutional purchase order on official letterhead
- Principal investigator CV and research protocol (for research quantities)
- End-use statement and waste disposal certification
No Individual Sales: We cannot fulfill orders to individuals, private parties, or entities lacking appropriate controlled substance licensing. All orders undergo pre-shipment verification.
Safety Information and Responsible Research
Medical Disclaimer: Ketamine is a potent dissociative anesthetic with significant abuse liability. It produces dose-dependent anesthesia, analgesia, amnesia, and hallucinogenic effects. This product is sold exclusively as an analytical reference standard and research compound for licensed institutional use. It is NOT intended for human self-administration, veterinary clinical use without professional supervision, or recreational purposes.
Health Risks: Misuse can cause:
- Respiratory depression (at high doses)
- Cardiovascular stimulation (hypertension, tachycardia)
- Psychological dependence and dissociative disorders
- Bladder toxicity (ketamine-induced cystitis)
- Cognitive impairment with chronic use
Handling Requirements: Laboratory personnel should utilize appropriate PPE, ventilation controls, and security protocols consistent with DEA Schedule III handling procedures.
Why Institutions Choose BiosynLab Ketamine HCl
Research hospitals, universities, and forensic laboratories trust BiosynLab for controlled substance analytical standards due to our rigorous quality verification, comprehensive regulatory documentation, and secure supply chain management. Our ketamine HCl supports your anesthesia research, psychiatric protocols, and forensic toxicology with the consistency and compliance that peer-reviewed research demands.
