Propofol API manufacturer
Product Code: 4037808 Product Code GMP: 2270-GMP
Key information
Regulatory Information
DMF: available
CEP: available
Chemical identifiers
CAS Number(s):
- 2078-54-8
Synonyms:
- 2,6-Bis(1-methylethyl)phenol
- 2,6-Diisopropylphenol
- ICI 35868
Sequence:
n.a.
Fields of application
Propofol is most known for its applications related to anesthesia and sedation:
- Anesthesia for minor to major surgeries
- Sedation for endoscopies, colonoscopies, imaging procedures
- ICU sedation for ventilated or anxious patients
- Sedation during interventions (e.g., cardioversion, bronchoscopy, wound care)
- Veterinary sedation and induction, especially in sighthounds
- Management of refractory status epilepticus
Active substance
Propofol enhances GABA‑A receptor activity, increasing chloride influx and causing neuronal hyperpolarization, which leads to sedation and anesthesia. Its lipophilic structure enables rapid blood‑brain barrier penetration. It may also influence norepinephrine and dopamine pathways, though these effects are less understood.
Molecular information
Molecular formula:
C12H18O
Relative molecular mass:
178.27 g/mol
Long-term storage:
25 ± 5°C
Why choose Bachem
Proven manufacturing excellence
Bachem has produced propofol for decades at its GMP‑certified Vionnaz site, ensuring consistently high‑quality API supply.
Sustainable production
A solvent‑free synthesis and purification powered by 100% green energy make Bachem’s propofol manufacturing both efficient and environmentally responsible.
Reliable global supply
With a capacity supporting over 200 million patients per year and multi-source raw materials, Bachem guarantees a secure and resilient propofol supply chain.
Continuous innovation
Ongoing development of new catalytic processes and synthetic strategies reduces waste, improves efficiency, and enhances long‑term sustainability.
Regulatory strength
A long‑established DMF and strict adherence to quality standards simplify regulatory pathways for customers worldwide.
Essential drug expertise
As a manufacturer of a WHO‑listed essential medicine, Bachem ensures dependable availability of propofol for critical medical applications across anesthesia and sedation.
Driving generic drugs together
Rely on our years of experience in manufacturing APIs for your next commercial drug venture.
Additional Information on Propofol
What is propofol?
Propofol is an intravenous, short-acting anesthetic with a rapid onset of action used in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Propofol is also applied as sedative, ex. to ventilated patients in intensive care.
Propofol serves to facilitate rapid and smooth transitions into unconsciousness, allowing medical professionals to perform necessary interventions with precision. Its rapid onset and relatively short duration of action grant an anesthesiologist fine control over the depth of anesthesia, while its swift metabolism by the liver minimizes the risk of prolonged sedation post-procedure.
It was developed some 40 years ago by the former UK company ICI. Propofol was approved in 1986 as an emulsion under the trade name Diprivan® and is used with sophisticated syringe pump systems.
Because of its indisputable efficiency and importance, propofol was listed as an essential drug by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016.
