Research Information
Etomidate Powder — Complete Research Overview
What Is It?
Etomidate is a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic compound
first synthesised in 1964 by Janssen Pharmaceutica in Belgium.
It belongs to the imidazole class of compounds and is
characterised by its rapid onset and short duration of action
making it a subject of significant interest in pharmacological
and anaesthesia research.
Etomidate Powder is the raw compound form of etomidate supplied
as a fine white crystalline powder with 99.9% purity verified
by HPLC laboratory testing. It is one of the most studied
anaesthetic compounds in modern pharmacological research due
to its unique mechanism of action and favourable cardiovascular
stability profile compared to other anaesthetic agents.
Chemical Data
CAS Number
33125-97-2
Molecular Formula
C14H16N2O2
Research History
Etomidate was first synthesised in 1964 and introduced into
clinical research in the 1970s. It became a significant subject
of study due to its ability to produce anaesthesia with minimal
impact on cardiovascular function — a property that made it
particularly interesting to researchers studying anaesthetic
compounds in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Research into etomidate expanded significantly through the 1980s
and 1990s as scientists investigated its mechanism of action at
the GABA-A receptor. Studies demonstrated that etomidate
enhances the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor by binding
to specific beta subunits — a discovery that contributed
significantly to the broader understanding of anaesthetic
mechanisms at the molecular level.
Further research explored etomidate's suppression of adrenocortical
function, specifically its inhibition of 11-beta hydroxylase —
an enzyme involved in cortisol synthesis. This property has
made etomidate a valuable research tool for scientists studying
adrenal function, cortisol synthesis pathways and related
endocrine research.
Today etomidate remains one of the most researched anaesthetic
compounds in pharmacology with ongoing studies exploring
its structure-activity relationships and potential applications
in anaesthesia research.
Storage Information
Etomidate Powder should be stored in a cool dry place away
from direct sunlight and moisture. Recommended storage
temperature is between 2°C and 8°C for long term preservation.
Keep container tightly sealed when not in use. Store away
from incompatible materials including strong oxidising agents.
Proper storage conditions maintain compound integrity and
purity over extended periods.
Shelf life is approximately 2 years when stored correctly
under recommended conditions.