Product Name: Oxiracetam Synonyms: 4-Hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide; ISF 2522; Hydroxypiracetam; 2-(4-hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide

General Description: Oxiracetam is formally described as 2-(4-hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide. It is a synthetic, centrally acting molecule belonging to the racetam family of nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) compounds. Structurally, it is the 4-hydroxylated derivative of piracetam, the prototypical racetam drug. Originally developed in the 1970s, oxiracetam has been extensively investigated clinically for its potential to improve memory, enhance learning, and mitigate cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and traumatic brain injury.

In analytical, clinical, and academic toxicology, oxiracetam is utilized as a fundamental reference standard. It is essential for the calibration of analytical instrumentation (such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and HPLC) and the development of screening methodologies to identify and quantify the substance in grey-market dietary supplements, experimental nootropic blends, or biological matrices.

Technical Information:

CAS Number: 62613-82-5
Molecular Formula: C6H10N2O3
Formula Weight: 158.16 g/mol
SMILES: O=C(N)CN1CC(O)CC1=O
InChI Key: ODGCEJJEALJTMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white-to-off-white crystalline solid or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL in methanol or water).

Biological Action: The precise mechanism of action for oxiracetam, like other racetams, is complex and multifaceted. It primarily functions as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the ionotropic AMPA glutamate receptor, functionally classifying it as an ampakine. Furthermore, it has been shown to increase high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in hippocampal cells, thereby enhancing the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Unlike classical psychomotor stimulants (such as amphetamines or methylphenidate), oxiracetam does not significantly interact with dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine transporters, and it does not elicit profound psychostimulatory, cardiovascular, or autonomic side effects.

Regulatory and Safety Information:

Intended Use: This product is intended strictly for use as an analytical reference standard for forensic, toxicological, and academic research purposes.
Warning: This product is an unapproved investigational compound in many jurisdictions. It is not for human or veterinary use outside of approved clinical applications.
Legal Status: The regulatory status of oxiracetam varies globally. In some European and Asian countries (such as Italy and China), it has been approved and utilized as a prescription pharmaceutical for cognitive impairment. In the United States, oxiracetam is an unscheduled substance and is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize oxiracetam as a legitimate dietary ingredient and classifies it as an unapproved new drug; the agency has actively issued warning letters to vendors attempting to market it for human consumption. Procurement of the bulk material for analytical research requires no special DEA licenses, but handling must occur strictly within professional laboratory environments using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat.