Substance profile
Physostigmine
Physostigmine is orthorhombic sphenoidal prisms or clusters of leaflets from ether or benzene and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Physostigmine is
Physostigmine is orthorhombic sphenoidal prisms or clusters of leaflets from ether or benzene and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C15H21N3O2 and its molecular weight is 275.35 g/mol. It melts at 140 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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 |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P301, P304, P310, P330
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Physostigmine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 140 °C (284 °F) | HSDB | |
| 105.5 °C (221.9 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| 186 °C (366.8 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SLIGHTLY SOL IN WATER; SOL IN ALC, BENZENE, CHLOROFORM, OILS | HSDB | |
| VERY SOL IN DICHLOROMETHANE | HSDB | ||
| Sol in ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.00001 mmHg | at 25 °C | DOE PAC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Physostigmine
Storage conditions
SOLNS SHOULD BE KEPT WELL CLOSED IN LIGHT-RESISTANT, ALKALI-FREE GLASS CONTAINER& USED WITHIN A WK. /PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLATE/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Benzalkonium chloride is incompatible with physostigmine salicylate but is compatible with physostigmine sulfate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Physostigmine in the storage compatibility matrix →