Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Citalopram, (S)-1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-1-benzofuran-2-one, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with molecular formula C₁₇H₁₉FN₂O₂ and molecular weight 302.34 g/mol. It features a fluoroaniline moiety and a benzofuran core, contributing to its lipophilicity and metabolic stability. Therapeutically, it treats major depressive disorder. Key physicochemical properties include a pKa of ~9.5 and limited water solubility. Its mechanism involves selective inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT), enhancing synaptic serotonin availability. The compound exists as a single enantiomer, with the (S)-enantiomer exhibiting higher potency than the (R)-form.