Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam is a phenylated analog of piracetam with documented stimulant and cognitive-enhancing properties. Used in neuroscience research.

Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
Appearance: White crystalline powder
CAS: 77472-70-9
Molecular Formula: C12H14N2O2
Molecular Weight: 218.25 g/mol
For research purposes only.

Product Name: Phenylpiracetam Synonyms: Phenotropil; Carphedon; Fonturacetam; 2-(2-oxo-4-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide

General Description: Phenylpiracetam is formally described as 2-(2-oxo-4-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide. It is a synthetic, centrally acting molecule belonging to the racetam family of nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) compounds. Originally developed in the Soviet Union in the 1980s for cosmonauts to treat the prolonged physical and mental stress of spaceflight, it is structurally the phenylated analogue of the prototypical racetam, piracetam. The addition of the phenyl ring significantly increases the molecule’s lipophilicity, allowing it to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier and rendering it substantially more potent than its parent compound.

In analytical, clinical, sports, and forensic toxicology, phenylpiracetam 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 grey-market dietary supplements, experimental nootropic blends, or biological matrices (particularly in anti-doping testing).

Technical Information:

• CAS Number: 77472-70-9
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂
• Formula Weight: 218.25 g/mol
• SMILES: O=C(N)CN1CC(C2=CC=CC=C2)CC1=O
• InChI Key: JNGVRRWDHWCGLF-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: Unlike classical racetams, which are generally devoid of direct psychostimulatory effects, phenylpiracetam possesses a uniquely dual-action pharmacological profile, acting as both a nootropic and a mild central nervous system stimulant. In vitro and in vivo profiling indicates that in addition to the classical racetam mechanisms (such as modulation of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors and increasing central cholinergic transmission), phenylpiracetam acts as a selective, albeit mild, dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) by binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT). Furthermore, it exhibits adaptogenic properties, notably enhancing physical endurance, locomotor activity, and physiological tolerance to cold stress.