LX162 Clonazepam: A High-Purity Nitro-Benzodiazepine Reference Standard for Advanced Research

Product Name: Clonazepam (LX162)
Chemical Name: 5-(2-Chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-7-nitro-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
Common Designation: LX162
CAS Number: 1622-61-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₁₀ClN₃O₃
Molar Mass: 315.72 g/mol
Appearance: Fine, light yellow to off-white crystalline powder

Introduction: A Prototypical Nitro-Benzodiazepine for Research

Clonazepam, designated under the research code LX162, is a quintessential member of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class, distinguished by the presence of a nitro-group (-NO₂) at the 7-position of the benzodiazepine ring. This specific structural feature is a critical determinant of its unique pharmacological profile, contributing to its high potency, long duration of action, and distinct metabolic pathway. As a well-established pharmaceutical compound with decades of clinical use, Clonazepam possesses an extensive body of published scientific data, making it an invaluable and reliable reference standard for calibrating analytical systems and validating experimental research models.

This product is synthesized to the highest standards of purity and is provided exclusively for non-human, in vitro research applications in qualified laboratory settings.

Key Characteristics and Research Properties

• Nitro-Group Pharmacology: The nitro-group at the 7-position is a key structural hallmark that significantly influences the compound’s electronic properties, receptor binding affinity, and metabolic stability. This makes Clonazepam a fundamental compound for studying the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of nitro-substituted benzodiazepines.

• High Potency and Long Half-Life: Clonazepam is characterized by its high binding affinity for the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors and a relatively long elimination half-life. This extended duration of action is a critical factor for researchers designing long-term receptor occupancy studies or sustained-effect models in vitro.

• Well-Documented Metabolic Profile: Its metabolic pathways are thoroughly elucidated, primarily involving nitro-reduction to 7-aminoclonazepam followed by acetylation to 7-acetamidoclonazepam. This well-defined biotransformation makes it an ideal substrate for studying nitroreductase enzyme activity, metabolic kinetics, and genetic polymorphisms in acetylation pathways.

• Established Receptor Binding Data: Extensive literature exists on its binding affinity (Ki) and functional potency (EC50) at various GABA-A receptor subunit compositions, providing a solid gold standard for comparative studies against novel designer benzodiazepines.

Intended Applications and Research Use

Clonazepam (LX162) is a chemical for controlled scientific investigation and is not for human or veterinary use. It is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States, and its handling requires appropriate regulatory compliance.

Its primary applications include, but are not limited to:

• Forensic Reference Standard: Serving as the primary calibrant and quality control material for the development, validation, and application of analytical methods (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV) for the unequivocal identification and quantification of benzodiazepines in complex biological matrices.

• Metabolic Pathway Studies: In vitro investigation of nitroreductase enzyme activity and kinetics using hepatic microsomal or cytosolic fractions. It is also used to study N-acetyltransferase (NAT) mediated metabolism.

• Pharmacological Benchmarking: Used as a well-characterized control compound in in vitro receptor binding assays (e.g., radioligand displacement assays) and functional studies (e.g., chloride flux assays) to evaluate the relative potency and efficacy of novel synthetic GABAergic compounds.

• Analytical Method Development: Essential for ensuring the precision, accuracy, and reliability of chromatographic and spectrometric instrumentation in research and forensic laboratories.

• Educational Applications: Used in academic institutions to teach advanced principles of analytical chemistry, toxicology, drug metabolism, and pharmacology.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Information

• Purity: >99% (as rigorously verified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)).

• Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It has very limited solubility in water.

• Storage: Must be stored in its original light-resistant, airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark environment. For optimal long-term stability, storage at temperatures between +2°C and +8°C is strongly recommended to protect it from light, heat, and moisture, which can accelerate degradation.

• Handling: CAUTION – CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. This material is a potent compound and a regulated DEA Schedule IV controlled substance. Researchers must possess the appropriate DEA registration and institutional approvals for its purchase, storage, and use. Handling must comply with all federal and state regulations governing controlled substances. Standard laboratory safety protocols must be followed, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as nitrile gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses. Handling of the pure powder within a fume hood is advised to prevent accidental inhalation.

Disclaimer and Critical Notice

WARNING: CLONAZEPAM (LX162) IS A POTENT CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (DEA SCHEDULE IV) AND IS NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
This product is sold exclusively to qualified researchers and analytical laboratories for forensic and research purposes. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or medicinal product. It is a hazardous chemical that poses risks of sedation, ataxia, dependence, and life-threatening interactions with other CNS depressants.

By purchasing this product, the buyer acknowledges and certifies that they are a qualified researcher or analyst, at least 18 years of age, and possess the necessary DEA registration and institutional permissions to handle Schedule IV controlled substances. The buyer assumes full and complete responsibility for ensuring strict compliance with all applicable local, state, federal (DEA), and international laws governing the purchase, possession, storage, and use of this controlled substance.

Ordering Information

We supply Clonazepam (LX162) as a high-purity analytical reference material. Each batch is accompanied by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing the analytical methods used to confirm its identity, purity, and integrity. It is packaged securely in a light-resistant, compliant container to ensure stability and regulatory adherence during transport.