Capsaicin
CAS Number
404-86-4
EC Number
206-969-8
FEMA Number
FEMA 3404
What is Capsaicin?
Capsaicin (CAS 404-86-4), also marketed as Zostrix and Qutenza®, is the primary pungency compound derived from chili peppers.
Where is Capsaicin used?
- Pharmaceutical: active substance in prescription-strength topical patches and over-the-counter creams for localized pain relief, particularly neuropathic and musculoskeletal indications
- Personal care: warming hair care products and scalp serums where stimulation of blood flow is desired
- Pharmaceutical intermediate in the synthesis of drug delivery systems
- In functional food and flavor applications it serves as a regulated pungency reference compound for product standardization.
Good to know: FEMA 3404. Standard commercial grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP and Ph. Eur. specifications; technical-grade material is also available for non-regulated applications requiring specific pungency levels.
Commercial specifications
- Concentration and purity typically 95% to 99%+ for pharmaceutical procurement
- Synthetic and natural grades
Other Names (Synonyms)
Zostrix|trans-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide|Qutenza®|Isodecenoic acid vanillylamide|(E)-8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide|trans-Capsaicin|Styptysat|Axsain
What are the physical properties of Capsaicin?
Melting Point 65 °C
Boiling Point 210-220 °C @ Press: 0.01 Torr
Density 1.1037 (rough estimate)
Flash Point 113 °C
Appearance Crystalline solid, rectangular plates, or scales. Pungent odor and burning taste.
Color Off-white
Odor mild warm herbal
Form Off-white solid
Water Solubility insoluble
Refractive Index 1.5100 (estimate)
Log P 4.00
How is Capsaicin classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H301 Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
H315 Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
H319 Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]
H335 May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Capsaicin?
HS Code 29339900
UN Number 2811
ADR Class 6.1
Packing Group II
Storage Class 6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2
very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 3