Fladrafinil Article
Fladrafinil Overview
Fladrafinil, also known as CRL-40,941, is a synthetic eugeroic compound structurally related to adrafinil and modafinil. It has been examined in preclinical research for its wakefulness-promoting and alertness-supporting properties. Compared to its analogs, fladrafinil incorporates a fluorinated aromatic ring, which is believed to influence metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic behavior.
Fladrafinil is not approved for human or veterinary use and is supplied strictly for laboratory and analytical research purposes.
Mechanism of Action
Fladrafinil is believed to exert wakefulness-promoting effects through modulation of central dopaminergic signaling, primarily via inhibition of dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. This mechanism is similar to other eugeroic compounds, resulting in increased extracellular dopamine concentrations in brain regions associated with alertness, vigilance, and cognitive control. Secondary effects on orexin and histaminergic pathways have been proposed in research discussions, though definitive mechanisms remain under investigation.
Chemical Structure
Chemical Name: 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]-N-(4-fluorophenyl)acetamide
Synonyms: Fladrafinil, CRL-40,941
Molecular Formula: C21H17FN2O2S
Molecular Weight: 380.43 g/mol
Structural Description: Fladrafinil contains a diphenylmethyl sulfinyl core linked to an acetamide group substituted with a para-fluorophenyl ring. The presence of the fluorine atom differentiates it from adrafinil and is thought to enhance metabolic resistance while maintaining lipophilicity and central nervous system penetration.
Physical and Chemical Properties
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Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
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Solubility: Poor water solubility; soluble in organic solvents such as DMSO and ethanol
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Stability: Stable under dry, cool, light-protected storage conditions
Research Focus Areas
Fladrafinil is commonly investigated in laboratory research related to:
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Wakefulness and vigilance models
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Cognitive performance and attention studies
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Comparison with modafinil and adrafinil analogs
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Dopaminergic and arousal-related neurochemical pathways
Research Use Disclaimer
Fladrafinil is intended for research use only. Not for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application. All handling and use must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and laboratory safety standards.
Summary
Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941) is a fluorinated eugeroic compound structurally related to adrafinil and modafinil. Its sulfinylacetamide framework and modified aromatic substitution make it a compound of interest in wakefulness and cognitive research models.
| CAS Number | 90212-80-9 |
| Other Names | CRL-40,941, Fluorafinil, 5RT6X0M01F, UNII-5RT6X0M01F, SCHEMBL10938696, DTXSID40536590, BCP30573, MFCD29036740, AKOS028109860, FT-0700640, A51145, Q5013906 |
| IUPAC Name | 2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]-N-hydroxyacetamide |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅H₁₃F₂NO₃S |
| Molecular Weight | 325.3 |
