Benzocaine
Chemically known as the ethyl ester of , benzocaine is typically synthesized through Fischer esterification . In a laboratory setting, this involves reacting 4-aminobenzoic acid with absolute ethanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, such as concentrated sulfuric acid.
: By preventing the influx of sodium ions, it stops the nerve cell from depolarizing. benzocaine
: Neutralization with a base like sodium bicarbonate causes benzocaine to precipitate, as the molecule becomes non-polar and insoluble in water. Chemically known as the ethyl ester of ,
, though lab-grade samples often vary slightly based on purity. benzocaine