Clomiphene Citrate: Properties, Structure, and Safety in Chemical Handling

What is Clomiphene Citrate?

Clomiphene Citrate, a synthetic chemical, shows up in the pharmaceutical world as a white or off-white solid, often found in flaky or crystalline powder forms. Its role in raw material use centers around stimulating ovulation, which is key in reproductive medicine. The compound’s molecular structure is defined by the formula C26H28ClNO, featuring a central triphenylethylene backbone, which influences both its properties and behavior during synthesis or production.

Physical Characteristics and Material Forms

Clomiphene Citrate presents a consistent solid form at room temperature, with a molecular weight marked at 598.09 g/mol. Particles typically appear as fine flakes or irregularly sized crystals, though some labs prepare the compound as a powdered solid for measurement convenience. Density averages close to 1.1 g/cm³, which means a gram occupies just under a cubic centimeter. Solubility matters; Clomiphene Citrate barely dissolves in water but shows higher compatibility in ethanol, methanol, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Heating the material doesn’t result in quick melting—melting points hover above 116°C, giving it a degree of stability during shipment or storage. Color and texture help with identification in the lab, and the dry, cohesive feel of the powder lets users distinguish it from more hydroscopic or gritty compounds. Bound by its triphenylethylene core, the molecule keeps rigidity and forms distinct, hard-edged flakes, which signal proper synthesis.

Specifications and Chemical Structure

The core structure of Clomiphene Citrate revolves around a triaryl ethylene motif with functional groups that deliver distinct chemical reactivity. It carries the CAS number 50-41-9 and aligns with HS Code 29335995, positioning it as a classified raw pharmaceutical material in customs documentation. Thermally stable, the compound holds up under typical manufacturing and processing pressures. Spectroscopic profiling (NMR, IR) affirms the molecule’s double bonds and aromatic rings, which impact how the substance interacts with biological systems. Pharmaceutical-grade samples assure a minimum of 99% purity, with water content and impurities measured to parts per million for safe medical use. Documented as a solid at room temperature, it stays firm and free of clumping, showing only slight yellowing after extended storage, which offers quality control staff a quick visual check.

Raw Material Applications and Production Context

Chemical manufacturers, research facilities, and pharmaceutical labs rely on Clomiphene Citrate as a critical building block. The properties—stable flakes, ease of measurement, limited dust generation—help with dosing accuracy, a non-negotiable factor in clinical outcomes. Researchers look for a reliable, homogeneous material, and Clomiphene Citrate holds up during weighing and mixing without rapid degradation. Its consistent melting point and low volatility fit the needs of industrial synthesis, where maintaining reproducibility in reactions makes the difference in yield and purity. Along the supply chain, this compound travels in sealed containers, typically in kilogram increments for larger operations, with each shipment checked for physical uniformity and chemical identity before use in any medical formulation.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling Precautions

Clomiphene Citrate, like any laboratory or pharmaceutical chemical, raises distinct safety concerns. It carries hazard codes for organ toxicity and reproductive risk, and chronic exposure in industrial or lab settings can trigger endocrine disruption or skin sensitivity. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) flag acute symptoms such as eye irritation, respiratory distress if inhaled, and mild to moderate skin irritation from unprotected handling. Accidental ingestion or absorption poses a real threat to worker health, so personal protective equipment—gloves, goggles, fitted respirators—form the backbone of any safety protocol. Emergency procedures track the chemical’s density and physical handling requirements, with spills manageable through dry absorption and careful dust control. Medical supervisors urge clear labeling on containers, up-to-date training, and strict adherence to cleaning routines. In my own lab work, handling this material meant working within fume hoods and disposing of waste materials in accordance with local chemical disposal laws, preventing environmental leaching and occupational exposure. Proper storage—cool, dry environments in tightly sealed drums—keeps degradation at bay and deters accidental release. If heated excessively, decomposition byproducts can become hazardous but rarely combust under routine lab conditions. At the user level, knowledge of chemical property sheets and emergency contact points can make the difference between routine operation and unexpected exposure.

Environmental Impact and Disposal

From an environmental perspective, unregulated disposal of Clomiphene Citrate creates unnecessary risk. Synthetic chemicals as persistent as this one do not easily degrade, and accumulation in groundwater or soil risks introducing pharmaceutical residues into the food chain. For anyone managing chemical disposal, consultation with municipal waste control ensures proper incineration or containment. Environmental engineers note that these efforts, while time-consuming, prevent low-level toxicity events, especially near populated areas. Reducing losses during raw material transfer, using double-sealed packaging, and investing in contamination-monitoring technology help keep both industrial sites and communities protected.

Solutions and Responsible Use

Safe and efficient use of Clomiphene Citrate depends on more than technical training or regulatory compliance. I have seen companies invest in workflow audits, minimizing points of human contact and automating weighing stations to lower spill risk. On the user end, sharing practical lessons among technicians—wearing double gloves, always measuring under extraction hoods, never leaving containers unsealed—prevents most incidents long before they reach an incident report. Professionals in every discipline can consult open-source safety briefings or third-party audits, which help identify overlooked vulnerabilities. In cases of hazardous exposure or chemical leaks, swift, decisive action keeps small accidents from spreading. Supply chains that value safety invest in certification and oversight, making sure that every link in the chain, from raw material acquisition to finished tablets, upholds real-world quality and safety commitments. It all adds up to a culture of care around every tub, drum, or flask of Clomiphene Citrate, and that vigilance makes the difference for both producers and end users.