Title: n-Docosanol
CAS Registry Number: 661-19-8
CAS Name: 1-Docosanol
Synonyms: behenic alcohol; behenyl alcohol; docosyl alcohol
Trademarks: Abreva (GSK); Lidakol (Avanir)
Molecular Formula: C22H46O
Molecular Weight: 326.60
Percent Composition: C 80.90%, H 14.20%, O 4.90%
Line Formula: H3C(CH2)21OH
Literature References: Naturally occurring alcohol; active principal of Pygeum africanum extract,
q.v., that has been used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Prepn: R. Willst?tter, E. W. Mayer,
Ber. 41, 1475 (1908); P. A. Levene, F. A. Taylor,
J. Biol. Chem. 59, 905 (1924). Surface thermodynamic properties: S. Pathak, S. S. Katti,
J. Chem. Eng. Data 14, 359 (1969). GC-MS determn in Pygeum africanum extract: N. Pierini
et al., Boll. Chim. Farm. 121, 27 (1982). Antiviral activity: D. H Katz
et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 724, 472 (1994). Study of mechanism of action in BPH: J. Müntzing
et al., Invest. Urol. 17, 176 (1979); vs herpes simplex virus: L. E. Pope
et al., Antiviral Res. 40, 85 (1998). Clinical evaluation in recurrent herpes labialis: L. Habbema
et al., Acta Derm. Venereol. 76, 479 (1996).
Properties: mp 70.5-71.5°. bp22mm 180°. d75 0.8063 g/ml; d85 0.7986 g/ml; d95 0.7911 g/ml. Surface tension (dyne/cm): 21.82 (75°); 21.17 (85°); 20.53 (95°).
n75 1.4360.
Melting point: mp 70.5-71.5°
Boiling point: bp22mm 180°
Index of refraction: n75 1.4360
Density: d75 0.8063 g/ml; d85 0.7986 g/ml; d95 0.7911 g/ml
Therap-Cat: Antiviral (topical).
Keywords: Antiviral.