Introduction
, though lab-grade samples often vary slightly based on purity. benzocaine
: By preventing the influx of sodium ions, it stops the nerve cell from depolarizing. Introduction , though lab-grade samples often vary slightly
Chemically known as the ethyl ester of , benzocaine is typically synthesized through Fischer esterification . In a laboratory setting, this involves reacting 4-aminobenzoic acid with absolute ethanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, such as concentrated sulfuric acid. In a laboratory setting
Benzocaine is versatile, appearing in various over-the-counter and professional medical formulations, including gels, sprays, creams, and lozenges. Benzocaine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
: Pure benzocaine is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of approximately
: Neutralization with a base like sodium bicarbonate causes benzocaine to precipitate, as the molecule becomes non-polar and insoluble in water.