Title: Denatonium Benzoate
CAS Registry Number: 3734-33-6
CAS Name: N-[2-[(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-
N,N-diethylbenzenemethanaminium benzoate
Synonyms: benzyldiethyl[(2,6-xylylcarbamoyl)methyl]ammonium benzoate; lignocaine benzyl benzoate
Trademarks: Bitrex (Macfarlan Smith)
Molecular Formula: C28H34N2O3
Molecular Weight: 446.58
Percent Composition: C 75.31%, H 7.67%, N 6.27%, O 10.75%
Literature References: Prepn: J. E. Hay,
US 3080327 (1963 to T. & H. Smith Ltd.);
idem, US 3268575 (1966 to Edinburgh Pharm. Ind.). HPLC determn in rapeseed oil: C. E. Damon, B. C. Pettitt, Jr.,
J. Chromatogr. 195, 243 (1980). Brief review of substance history and uses: H. A. S. Payne,
Chem. Ind. (London) 22, 721-723 (1988).
Properties: Crystals from isopropyl alcohol + ethyl acetate, mp 166-170°. Among the most bitter substances known to man. Soluble in water, alcohol; sparingly sol in acetone. Practically insol in ether.
Melting point: mp 166-170°
Use: Pharmaceutic aid (alcohol denaturant; flavor). Added to toxic substances as a deterrent to accidental ingestion. Can replace brucine or quassin as denaturant for ethyl alcohol.