Ketoprofen Nitrile (KPN) draws a lot of attention among chemical intermediates because it links research with real-world pharmaceutical production. As a compound, KPN works as a vital raw material in the synthesis of certain drugs, providing the necessary backbone for many chemical transformations. In the daily life of anyone working with bulk chemicals, raw materials like this one anchor the work and create value for everyone who depends on pharmaceuticals.
KPN stands out for its reliable and easily identifiable physical properties. The material often appears as a solid, with forms such as powder, crystalline flakes, and sometimes small pearls for easier handling. These forms make KPN practical for both large-scale and small-batch manufacturing. The color tends toward off-white or pale, showing good purity when produced to pharmaceutical standards. Many users appreciate its density, falling around 1.17 g/cm³, which helps when working out amounts for reactions or making solutions. Its molecular structure—marked by a core nitrile group—brings a level of reactivity valued in organic synthesis. The molecular formula C16H13NO gives a molar mass near 235.28 g/mol, supporting consistency in material tracking and calculations.
Chemists trained on the job will recognize the defining features of Ketoprofen Nitrile. Its structure contains both aromatic rings and a nitrile group, providing versatility for downstream chemical reactions. The simplicity of this backbone streamlines modifications, suited for production environments that require both scale and precision. Because it is a solid at room temperature, storage becomes less of a problem, and accidental release risks drop compared to more volatile or liquid raw materials. In my own experience, working with such dependable intermediates cuts down on wasted time and unnecessary worry about product variability.
Buyers and lab workers want clarity about what they are handling. For KPN, product specifications include purity over 98% in most pharmaceutical contexts. Crystal size varies—from small microcrystals to broader flakes—based on production conditions, but quality suppliers control this to keep downstream processing consistent. Grain size carries importance when measuring, since the flow of powder or flakes into reaction vessels may affect mixing, dissolution, or yield. The material’s density makes it possible to translate mass into volume, something always welcome for scaling up from the bench to the plant. KPN shows reliable stability under standard storage, if kept sealed and away from excess moisture.
Chemists rely on numbers as much as on names. KPN follows the empirical formula C16H13NO. Knowing this and its molar mass streamlines preparation and supports clear communication across labs and companies. Supply chains also depend on HS Code 292690, classifying KPN as an organic chemical compound containing nitrogen, ensuring regulatory clarity during import and export. Molecular symmetry or functional group accessibility influence the kinds of transformations KPN can undergo, underscoring its role as a staple in the toolbox for many synthetic chemists.
Safety comes before chemistry. Like many specialty chemicals, Ketoprofen Nitrile brings potential hazards—mainly in its capacity as a raw material. Prolonged or repeated exposure, especially to powder or dust, can cause respiratory or skin irritation. Using local exhaust and wearing standard safety gear makes a big difference. Inhalation and ingestion should be avoided, as with any laboratory or industrial chemical. On a personal note, observing good chemical hygiene practices provides peace of mind, supporting both the health of the individual and the productivity of the team. Emergency information needs to be close at hand because even safe materials can turn hazardous if procedures slip.
Real-world handling comes down to material form. KPN often ships as packed crystalline powder, but suppliers may offer it as flakes, pearls, or even a prepared solution tailored for specific production environments. Each format caters to different needs: powder dissolves fast for small batches, flakes pour smoothly into reactors, pearls reduce risk of dust inhalation, and pre-made liquid solutions can remove steps and save time in the lab. People handling KPN pay attention to storage: cool, dry rooms keep purity high and prevent caking or changes in the material’s form. With good labeling and documentation, mix-ups become rare.
For those involved in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing, KPN shows what a purposeful raw material looks like. It offers sharp chemical selectivity, reliable reactivity, and matches well with other components in synthesis lines. Chemical engineers and synthetic chemists often choose it for routes that require the introduction or modification of nitrile groups. Its role as both a building block and intermediate reflects careful design and optimization over years of research and manufacturing, making it a valuable asset in high-stakes industry settings.
No raw material is free from complications. KPN’s main challenges stem from dust control, potential for skin contact, and the risk of off-spec batches due to bad handling or improper storage. Facilities respond by refining sample handling, adding engineering controls like dust extractors, and training staff in safe transfer from drums or bags. In my own experience, automating transfer of powder from containers to weigh boats sharpens safety and reduces operator exposure. Improvements in form—moving toward denser flakes, larger pearls, or stabilized solutions—help suppliers address these issues. Industry-wide, pushing for better hazard communication, labeling, and transparent chain-of-custody records builds consistent trust in supply chains, guarding both user safety and product quality.
