Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)

El analgésico más prescrito en todo el mundo

Pharmaceutical & Drug Manufacturing Global Industrial Scale $680 million

Descripción general

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug globally, with annual production exceeding 145,000 tons. The industrial synthesis proceeds through reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol, followed by acetylation with acetic anhydride. Modern catalytic hydrogenation methods have replaced older iron-acid reduction, improving yields and reducing waste. The drug is formulated into tablets, capsules, liquids, and suppositories for over-the-counter and prescription use.

Proceso químico

p-Nitrophenol is catalytically hydrogenated to p-aminophenol using Pt/C or Pd/C catalyst at moderate pressure. The aminophenol is then acetylated with acetic anhydride in aqueous solution to form paracetamol, which is crystallized and dried.

HOC₆H₄NO₂ + 3H₂ →[Pd/C] HOC₆H₄NH₂ + 2H₂O
HOC₆H₄NH₂ + (CH₃CO)₂O → HOC₆H₄NHCOCH₃ + CH₃COOH

Materias primas

  • p-Nitrophenol (C₆H₅NO₃) — Nitration of phenol (Starting material)
  • Hydrogen gas (H₂) — Steam methane reforming (Reducing agent)
  • Acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O) — Ketene process (Acetylating agent)

Productos finales

  • Paracetamol (C₈H₉NO₂) — Analgesic and antipyretic (USP grade, >99% purity)
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Environmental Impact

The catalytic hydrogenation route is significantly cleaner than the older iron-acid reduction, which generated large quantities of iron oxide sludge. Acetic acid byproduct is recovered and recycled. The process has moderate environmental impact with controlled wastewater treatment.

Consideraciones de seguridad

Innovaciones recientes

A new one-pot synthesis from hydroquinone using enzymatic amidation has been developed, eliminating the need for nitrophenol intermediates.
Continuous flow hydrogenation reactors improve safety and throughput.

Escala de producción

145000

toneladas/año

$680 million

valor de mercado

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Frequently Asked Questions

What industry uses Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)?
Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén) is used in the pharmaceutical & drug manufacturing sector at global industrial scale scale.
What process is involved in Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)?
p-Nitrophenol is catalytically hydrogenated to p-aminophenol using Pt/C or Pd/C catalyst at moderate pressure. The aminophenol is then acetylated with acetic anhydride in aqueous solution to form paracetamol, which is crystallized and dried.
What is the economic significance of Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)?
Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén) has a market value of $680 million and annual production of 145,000 tons.
What is the environmental impact of Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)?
The catalytic hydrogenation route is significantly cleaner than the older iron-acid reduction, which generated large quantities of iron oxide sludge. Acetic acid byproduct is recovered and recycled. The process has moderate environmental impact with controlled wastewater treatment.
What raw materials are used in Síntesis de Paracetamol (Acetaminofén)?
The main raw materials include: p-Nitrophenol (C₆H₅NO₃), Hydrogen gas (H₂), Acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O).