Modafinil

Modafinil is a eugeroic compound used in sleep research and cognitive studies. It promotes wakefulness and has been extensively studied for its mechanisms of action.

Purity: ≥99% (HPLC)
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
CAS: 68693-11-8
Molecular Formula: C15H15NO2S
Molecular Weight: 273.35 g/mol
Storage: Room temperature, protected from moisture.
For research purposes only.

Product Name: Modafinil Synonyms: Provigil; Alertec; Modiodal; 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide; Benzhydrylsulfinylacetamide

General Description: Modafinil is formally described as 2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide. It is a synthetic, centrally acting eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent). Originally discovered in France in the 1970s, it is widely utilized clinically worldwide for the treatment of narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea, and shift-work sleep disorder. Outside of strictly clinical environments, modafinil has gained immense popularity as a highly sought-after off-label cognitive enhancer (nootropic) to combat fatigue, improve focus, and extend operational vigilance.

In analytical, clinical, sports, and forensic toxicology, modafinil 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 the substance in seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals, grey-market nootropic blends, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine), particularly in anti-doping contexts.

Technical Information:

• CAS Number: 68693-11-8 (Racemate)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₁₅NO₂S
• Formula Weight: 273.35 g/mol
• SMILES: O=C(N)CS(=O)C(C1=CC=CC=C1)C2=CC=CC=C2
• InChI Key: YLMAHDNUQAMNNX-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 acetonitrile).

Biological Action: Modafinil possesses a highly atypical pharmacological profile that clearly differentiates it from classical psychomotor stimulants (such as amphetamines or methylphenidate). Its primary mechanism of action is mediated through its action as a highly selective, albeit remarkably weak, dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI). By binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT), it mildly elevates extracellular dopamine levels.

Unlike amphetamines, modafinil does not forcefully induce the release of stored vesicular monoamines, nor does it heavily activate the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, its downstream effects include the robust elevation of hypothalamic histamine and the wakefulness-promoting neuropeptide orexin (hypocretin), alongside the modulation of central glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. This targeted promotion of wakefulness results in profound alertness with significantly lower addiction liability, negligible cardiovascular strain, and the absence of a severe classical stimulant “crash.”

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 carries a risk of dermatological reactions (including rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in sensitive individuals) and psychological dependence. It is not for human or veterinary use outside of strictly approved clinical applications.