CAS numbers are unique identifiers assigned to chemicals to help scientists and industry professionals reference substances precisely. CAS No. 79617-89-3 refers to a specific chemical form of sertraline hydrochloride, a molecule that plays a significant role in psychological and neurochemical research and, indirectly, in mental health treatment. This blog explores the chemical nature, pharmacology, applications, and safety considerations of this compound in an informative way.
What Is Sertraline Hydrochloride?
At its core, sertraline hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of sertraline—a compound widely recognized in neurobiology for its effect on serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. The molecular formula associated with CAS No. 79617-89-3 is typically C₁₇H₁₇Cl₂N·HCl, and the substance is usually seen as a white to off-white crystalline solid.
The hydrochloride version improves solubility and stability, making it more suitable for controlled use in laboratory and clinical settings, compared to the free base form. Sertraline itself is a chiral compound, meaning it has mirror-image forms (enantiomers). In many reference samples, the racemic (mixed enantiomer) form is used for analytical purposes.
Chemical Nature and Properties
Chemically, sertraline belongs to the class of compounds known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are molecules that influence the serotonin system in the brain by blocking the re-absorption (reuptake) of serotonin by neurons. In a laboratory context, experts refer to it by its structural chemical names such as cis-N-Methyl-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenamine hydrochloride.
Some key physical and chemical characteristics include:
- Molecular Weight: Around 342.7 g/mol.
- Physical Form: Solid crystalline powder that ranges from white to off-white.
- Solubility: Moderately soluble in water; more soluble in polar solvents like methanol or DMSO.
- Melting Point: Typically high, consistent with stable crystalline drugs.
These characteristics make the compound practical for laboratory analysis and study. It is often used as a reference standard in analytical procedures.
Pharmacological Significance
While CAS No. 79617-89-3 itself is a chemical standard and not a marketed medicine, it is intimately connected to the well-known drug sertraline, which has been widely prescribed for decades. Sertraline works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system. This means it allows serotonin to remain longer in the synaptic spaces between neurons, enhancing neurotransmission and helping to stabilize mood and emotional state.
SSRIs like sertraline have been used to help manage major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and several other neurological and psychiatric conditions. It is known for having a more favourable side-effect profile compared to older antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants.
Safety Considerations
Even though sertraline hydrochloride is significant in research and clinical settings, it’s important to stress that physical handling of the pure chemical must be done with caution. Like many biologically active molecules, it can pose risks if mishandled:
- Hazards: It can be harmful if swallowed or improperly handled.
- Handling Precautions: Laboratory safety protocols like proper protective gear (gloves, goggles) and ventilation are standard to avoid accidental exposure.
It is also crucial to differentiate between chemical standards used in laboratories and the medicinal formulations prescribed to patients. The pure chemical, referenced by CAS No. 79617-89-3, is not directly administered as a medication; rather, careful formulation and dosing ensure safety and efficacy in therapeutic use.
Applications in Scientific Research
In research laboratories and quality control settings, sertraline hydrochloride with CAS No. 79617-89-3 is often used as an analytical reference standard. This means it helps researchers and technicians:
- Validate analytical methods such as HPLC or mass spectrometry.
- Ensure quality and consistency of assays during drug development.
- Serve as a benchmark in method development and calibration procedures.
In this way, the compound supports broader scientific efforts to measure and understand sertraline and related molecules accurately.
Conclusion
CAS No. 79617-89-3 represents a well-defined chemical entity: sertraline hydrochloride, a racemic form of the SSRI sertraline used extensively in research and analytical chemistry. It bridges the gap between pure laboratory science and applied pharmacology, helping scientists understand, measure, and control one of the most studied neurotransmitter-modulating agents in modern medicine.
From its structural nuances to its critical role as a reference standard, this compound exemplifies how precise chemical identification helps fuel developments in neuroscience and pharmaceutical science.
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