Xj146 Nitrazepam: A High-Purity Nitro-Benzodiazepine Reference Standard for Forensic and Pharmacological Research

Product Name: Nitrazepam (Xj146)
Chemical Name: 1,3-Dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
Common Designation: Xj146
CAS Number: 146-22-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₁₁N₃O₃
Molar Mass: 281.27 g/mol
Appearance: Fine, light yellow to pale beige crystalline powder

Introduction: A Foundational Nitro-Benzodiazepine for Research

Nitrazepam, designated under the research code Xj146, is a prototypical and historically significant 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative. It is structurally characterized by the presence of a nitro-group (-NO₂) at the 7-position of the benzodiazepine ring, a defining feature that confers its distinct pharmacological profile, including its sedative-hypnotic properties and long elimination half-life. As a well-established pharmaceutical compound with decades of clinical use and a vast body of published scientific literature, Nitrazepam serves as an indispensable and reliable reference standard for calibrating analytical systems, validating experimental methodologies, and conducting comparative pharmacological research against newer designer benzodiazepines.

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 the most critical structural hallmark of Nitrazepam. This potent electron-withdrawing group significantly influences the compound’s electronic properties, receptor binding affinity, and metabolic pathway, making it a fundamental compound for studying the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of nitro-substituted benzodiazepines.

• Well-Established Pharmacological Profile: With a long history of pharmaceutical use, Nitrazepam’s mechanisms of action, metabolic pathways, and receptor binding affinities are thoroughly documented in scientific literature. This extensive data makes it an ideal and trusted control compound for calibrating assays, validating new analytical instruments, and benchmarking the effects of novel synthetic analogs.

• GABA-A Receptor Modulation: Nitrazepam is a well-characterized positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, exhibiting high binding affinity for the classical benzodiazepine site. Its well-defined inhibitory concentration (IC50) and binding affinity (Ki) values provide a crucial gold-standard baseline for SAR studies.

• Defined Metabolic Pathway: Its primary metabolic pathways are extensively elucidated, primarily involving nitro-reduction to 7-aminonitrazepam followed by acetylation to 7-acetamidonitrazepam. This well-characterized biotransformation makes it an ideal substrate for in vitro studies on nitroreductase enzyme activity, metabolic kinetics, and genetic polymorphisms in acetylation pathways.

Intended Applications and Research Use

Nitrazepam (Xj146) is a chemical for controlled scientific investigation and is not for human or veterinary use. It is a internationally controlled substance in many jurisdictions, and its handling requires appropriate regulatory compliance.

Its primary applications include, but are not limited to:

• Gold-Standard Reference in Forensic Toxicology: Serves as the primary calibrant and quality control material for the development, validation, and routine 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 and to generate reference metabolites for analytical purposes.

• 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 and Quality Assurance: Essential for ensuring the precision, accuracy, and reliability of chromatographic and spectrometric instrumentation in research, clinical, and forensic laboratories. It is used to assess system suitability and for regular instrument calibration.

• Educational Applications: Used in academic institutions to teach advanced principles of analytical chemistry, toxicology, drug metabolism, and pharmacology, providing students with a hands-on understanding of a classic controlled substance.

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 chloroform, acetone, ethanol, 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 of the nitro group.

• Handling: CAUTION – CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. This material is a potent compound and is a controlled substance in many countries. Researchers must possess the appropriate institutional and governmental approvals and licenses for its purchase, storage, and use. Handling must comply with all applicable 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.