Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Diclofenac, IUPAC name 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino-4-(2-methylpropyl)phenylacetic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with molecular formula C14H11Cl2NO2 and molecular weight 295.14 g/mol. Structurally, it features a dichlorophenyl ring and a propyl group, belonging to the fenamic acid class. Therapeutically, it alleviates pain, inflammation, and fever. It is a white crystalline solid with low water solubility (pKa ~4.0) and moderate lipophilicity. Mechanistically, diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Its acidic nature and aromatic ring contribute to binding at the COX active site, while its metabolic stability enhances bioavailability.