Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of citalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with the IUPAC name (S)-1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-5-isobenzofuranone. Its molecular formula is C17H17FN2O, with a molecular weight of 284.33 g/mol. Structurally, it features a fluoro-substituted benzene ring and a dimethylamino group, classifying it as a substituted indole derivative. Therapeutically, it treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Key physicochemical properties include a pKa of ~9.5 and limited water solubility. Mechanistically, it inhibits serotonin reuptake by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) in presynaptic neurons, enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission.