Overview

Acetaminophen (uh-SEE-toe-Min-oh-fen) is one of the most commonly used analgesics in the world. It is also known as p-Acetylaminophenol; p-acetamidophenol; N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; p-hydroxyacetanilide; and paracetamol. It is an ingredient in more than 100 commercial products including Abensanil®, Acamol®, Acetagesic®, Alpinyl®, Alvedon®, Anaflon®, Anelix®, Anhiba®, Calpol®, Datril®, Dirox®, Doliprane®, Dymadon®, Enelfa®, Eneril®, Exdol®, Febrilix®, Febrolin®, Fendon®, Finimal®, Hedex®, Homoolan®, Lonarid®, Multin®, Panadol®, Phendon®, Tylenol®, Valdol®, and Valgesic®. Acetaminophen is often combined with other ingredients in medications such as cold and flu products, cough suppressants, and allergy medications in order to treat more than one symptom at a time.

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview.

Formula:

CH₃CONHC₆H₄OH

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen

Compound Type:

Aromatic amide (organic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

151.16 g/mol

Melting Point:

169°C-172°C (336°F-342°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable (decomposes)

Solubility:

Insoluble in cold water; more soluble in warm water; soluble in alcohol, acetone...