Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)

Наиболее назначаемый анальгетик в мире

Pharmaceutical & Drug Manufacturing Global Industrial Scale $680 million

Обзор

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.

Химический процесс

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

Сырьё

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

Конечные продукты

  • 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.

Соображения безопасности

Последние инновации

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.

Масштаб производства

145000

тонн/год

$680 million

Рыночная стоимость

Больше в Pharmaceutical & Drug Manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

What industry uses Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)?
Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена) is used in the pharmaceutical & drug manufacturing sector at global industrial scale scale.
What process is involved in Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)?
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 Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)?
Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена) has a market value of $680 million and annual production of 145,000 tons.
What is the environmental impact of Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)?
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 Синтез парацетамола (ацетаминофена)?
The main raw materials include: p-Nitrophenol (C₆H₅NO₃), Hydrogen gas (H₂), Acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O).