Substance profile
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is waxy solid, crystals or granules.
01 · Identification
What Ephedrine is
Ephedrine is waxy solid, crystals or granules. Its molecular formula is C10H15NO and its molecular weight is 165.23 g/mol. It boils at 260 °C, melts at 38.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ephedrine properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 260 °C (500 °F) | at 745 mmHg | HSDB |
| 255 °C (491 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB | |
| 255 °C (491 °F) | DrugBank | ||
| Melting point | 38.1 °C (100.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 34 °C (93.2 °F) | HMDB | ||
| Density | 1.0085 g/cm³ | at 22 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Soluble in oils | HSDB | |
| Soluble in water, ethanol, ether, benzene and chloroform | HSDB | ||
| In water, 56,900 mg/L at 25 °C ; 63,600 mg/L at 30 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ephedrine
Storage conditions
...must be stored in light-resistant containers. Ephedrine base should be stored at or below 8 °C.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ephedrine in the storage compatibility matrix →