Phenyl-2-nitropropene

General information

1-Phenyl-2-nitropropene, or simply phenyl-2-nitropropene, or P2NP, as it is commonly referred to, is a chemical compound from the aromatic group of compounds, with the formula C9H9NO2. It is a light-yellow crystalline solid with a distinct smell. Phenyl-2-nitropropene is used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture the drug Adderall, an Amphetamine mixture used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. P2NP and other similar nitrostyrenes are also employed in the clandestine manufacture of drugs of the Amphetamine class, and are listed as drug precursors in some countries.

Physical properties

• CAS Number: 705-60-2;
• Chemical formula: C9H9NO2;
• Molar mass: 163.173 g/mol;
• Density: 1.141±0.06 g/cm3;
• Melting Point: 64 - 66 °C (147 to 151 °F; 337 to 339 K);
• Boiling point: 263.0 ± 9.0 °C (352.6 °F; 451.2 K);
• Appearance: light-yellow crystalline solid;

Chemical properties

Solubility in water: practically insoluble in water;

Soluble:

• DMF 30 mg/ml
• DMSO 30 mg/ml
• Ethanol 10 mg/ml
• Acetone
• Chloroform
• Dichloromethane
• Methanol

IUPAC name: (2-Nitroprop-1-en-1-yl)benzene

Other names: P2NP; 1-Phenyl-2-nitropropene; β-methyl-β-nitropropene; trans-beta-Methyl-beta-Nitrostyrene; (2-Nitro-1-propenyl)benzene

Synthesis ways

Phenyl-2-nitropropene can be synthesized by Henry reaction from benzaldehyde and nitroethane. Product can be recrystallized from hexane, methanol, ethanol or isopropanol.

Legal status

P2NP is legal uncontrolled substance in USA according lists [1] of Scheduling Actions, Controlled Substances and Regulated Chemicals of DEA. Also, P2NP is legal in European union according European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) lists [2].

Legal application

Phenyl-2-nitropropene is used as an analytical reference standard or precursor for nitro-lacquers producing.

Storage

No special precautions are necessary if used correctly. Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure. Keep away from sources of ignition. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Keep receptacle tightly sealed.

Storage Conditions: 2-8 °C. At higher temperatures, P2NP is not very stable, and degrades with time.

Disposal

Disposal must be made according to common rules for organic compounds.

Toxicity and rules for handling the substance

On the skin: Irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

On the eye: Irritating effect.

LD/LC50 values that are relevant for classification:

• Oral LD50 >500 mg/kg (rat)
• Intraperitoneal LD50 200 mg/kg (rat)

[1] Green List – List of Psychotropic Substances Under International Control (International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)).

[2] DEA Drug Scheduling.