Pargyline API is a synthetic monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor belonging to the N-propargylamine class. Pargyline is chemically identified as N-benzyl-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine and has historically been investigated and used as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The free-base compound has the molecular formula C11H13N, molecular weight 159.23 g/mol, and CAS Number 555-57-7.
Pargyline is particularly associated with inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), an enzyme involved in the oxidative metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters. Its pharmacological activity has made it an important compound in biochemical, pharmacological and medicinal-chemistry research.
NIST confirms the free base as C11H13N, molecular weight 159.2276 g/mol, and CAS 555-57-7.
The hydrochloride salt is a separate chemical substance and should not be confused with the free base. Pargyline Hydrochloride has CAS 306-07-0, molecular formula C11H14ClN, and molecular weight 195.69 g/mol. PubChem and NIST both identify CAS 306-07-0 for the hydrochloride salt.
For a product page specifically titled Pargyline API, the free base should therefore be represented as CAS 555-57-7, while the hydrochloride should have its own separate product page if it is being offered.
Pargyline has historically been used as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and has been extensively used in pharmacological research investigating monoamine metabolism.
Applications include:
Pargyline hydrochloride is described by PubChem as the hydrochloride salt form of pargyline and as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Pargyline contains a propargylamine functional group and a benzyl group attached to a tertiary nitrogen. Its IUPAC name is N-benzyl-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine.
The free base contains one nitrogen atom and no halogen or oxygen atoms. It has no defined stereogenic center, making stereochemical purity and optical rotation generally not applicable.
Analytical characterization of Pargyline can include:
NIST provides analytical reference information for Pargyline, including mass-spectrum, gas-chromatography and UV/visible spectral data.
Pargyline Hydrochloride is commercially available as a research chemical and reference material. Sigma-Aldrich identifies its product as Pargyline hydrochloride, CAS 306-07-0, molecular weight 195.69 g/mol, and reports 98% TLC purity for its synthetic research-grade material.
This specification should not be transferred to the free-base Pargyline API because the hydrochloride and free base are chemically different substances.
Quality control for Pargyline API should establish validated analytical procedures appropriate for the intended grade and use.
Potential quality-control parameters include:
A current universal numerical pharmaceutical release specification for Pargyline free base was not verified from the authoritative sources reviewed. Therefore, unsupported assay or impurity limits should not be presented as official pharmacopoeial specifications.
USP historical reference-standard catalogues do document Pargyline Hydrochloride as a USP reference standard, CAS 306-07-0, but this does not establish a current universal monograph specification for the free base.
Pargyline API intended for pharmaceutical or research use should be manufactured and controlled under the appropriate quality system. Manufacturing controls may include starting-material qualification, reaction monitoring, purification, final isolation, packaging and analytical release.
Because the free base and hydrochloride have different chemical identities, manufacturing documentation should clearly specify the salt state.
Pargyline Bulk API should be clearly identified by its CAS Number 555-57-7, molecular formula C11H13N, and molecular weight 159.23 g/mol.
For procurement and regulatory documentation, it is important to distinguish:
This distinction prevents incorrect molecular-weight calculations and incorrect API identification in certificates of analysis and regulatory documents.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.2% |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |