Home / Products / Diphenylmethyl Thioacetamide
CAS 68524-30-1 Modafinil/Armodafinil Intermediate Modafinil/Armodafinil Intermediate High Purity GMP Grade

Diphenylmethyl Thioacetamide

IUPAC: 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)thio]acetamide View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
68524-30-1
MOL. FORMULA
C15H15NOS
MOL. WEIGHT
257.35 g/mol
Get Commercial Quote Request Sample Request COA
Scientific Overview

Structurally, this compound is the sulfide (thioether) precursor to modafinil, lacking the sulfoxide oxidation present in the active drug. It serves as the direct substrate for the oxidation step (typically using hydrogen peroxide or another oxidizing agent) that converts the thioether to the sulfinyl group defining modafinil's active pharmacophore. Because it is structurally so close to the final API, it is tightly controlled and quantified as a specified impurity in finished modafinil/armodafinil drug substance.

Diphenylmethyl thioacetamide (2-[(diphenylmethyl)thio]acetamide), also referred to as "Deoxy Modafinil," is a key synthetic intermediate and pharmacopeial-designated impurity in the manufacture of modafinil and armodafinil, wakefulness-promoting agents used to treat narcolepsy and related sleep disorders.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Diphenylmethyl Thioacetamide (2-[(Diphenylmethyl)thio]acetamide)
CAS Number 68524-30-1
IUPAC Name 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)thio]acetamide
Molecular Formula C15H15NOS
Molecular Weight 257.35 g/mol g/mol
Boiling Point 427.7°C at 760 mmHg
Density ~1.18--1.2 g/cm³
Reaction Scheme
Benzhydryl Chloride (Diphenylmethyl Chloride)
Thioacetamide (or Thiourea route)
NA
Diphenylmethyl Thioacetamide
NA
Commercial Applications

Modafinil/Armodafinil API Manufacturing

Direct synthetic precursor requiring oxidation to yield the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Pharmacopeial Reference Standard

Used as USP Related Compound C / Armodafinil Impurity E for drug substance quality control and impurity profiling.

CNS Drug Process Chemistry

Applied in process development and route optimization for wakefulness-promoting agent manufacturing.

Analytical Method Development

Reference material for HPLC/impurity method validation in modafinil-related drug product testing.

Market Therapeutic Focus
MODAFINIL/ARMODAFINIL INTERMEDIATE PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING CNS / WAKEFULNESS-PROMOTING THERAPEUTICS ANALYTICAL REFERENCE STANDARDS API PROCESS CHEMISTRY CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Synthesis and Development of Modafinil

Authors: Lafon, L.

US Patent 4177290 (foundational synthesis reference)

Impurity Profiling and Control Strategy for Modafinil Drug Substance

Authors: Kumar, V. et al.

J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.01.024

Process Chemistry and Route Selection for Armodafinil Manufacturing

Authors: Wang, P. et al.

Org. Process Res. Dev.

DOI: 10.1021/op500123a
Peer Queries & FAQs
What is the relationship between this compound and modafinil?
It is the sulfide (thioether) precursor to modafinil; oxidation of the sulfur atom converts it to the sulfinyl (sulfoxide) group that defines modafinil's active structure.
Why is it called "Deoxy Modafinil"?
Because it is structurally identical to modafinil minus the oxygen atom on the sulfur (i.e., the un-oxidized thioether form).
Why is this compound monitored as a pharmacopeial impurity?
As the direct synthetic precursor, incomplete oxidation during manufacturing can leave residual amounts in the final API, so it must be controlled per USP/impurity specifications.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from light, in a tightly sealed container.

Need a Custom Derivative or Labeled Analog?

Our R&D centers specialize in the design and process development of complex heterocyclic and chiral molecules — mg to kg scale.

Request Custom Synthesis Quote Check Manufacturing Scale