Isoflurane

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Cat Number

API26675467

CAS Number

26675-46-7

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CAS Number

26675-46-7

EINECS

247-897-7

Storage

Store at 2-8°C

Synonyms

1-Chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether; Forane; 2-Chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoroethane; Forene; Aerrane; Isoflurano; Compound 469; Isofluranum

Molecular Formula

C3H2ClF5O

Molecular Weight

184.49

Smiles

C(C(F)(F)F)(OC(F)F)Cl

Appearance

Clear, colorless, volatile liquid

Melting Point

48.5°C

Boiling Point

48.5°C

Relative Density

1.51

General Description

Isoflurane is a halogenated ether with the chemical name 1‑chloro‑2,2,2‑trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether, a volatile liquid anesthetic that is colorless and has a pungent ethereal odor. Its structure contains a chlorine atom and five fluorine atoms, with a molecular weight of 184.5 Da. Isoflurane is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers.

Mechanism of Action

Isoflurane acts as a general anesthetic by potentiating inhibitory GABA‑A receptors and glycine receptors, and by inhibiting excitatory NMDA receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This multi‑target modulation depresses central nervous system activity, producing hypnosis, amnesia, and immobility. The drug's low blood‑gas partition coefficient (1.4) allows rapid induction and emergence.

Application

Isoflurane is indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adults and pediatric patients. It is also used for sedation in intensive care settings. The drug has a favorable cardiovascular profile, with minimal myocardial depression and a slight increase in heart rate.

In mice, isoflurane induced hippocampal ferroptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner, increasing cytochrome c oxidase/Complex IV activity, which may contribute to cysteine deprivation-induced ferroptosis. Both ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis inhibitor) and dimethyl fumarate (mitochondria activator) rescued isoflurane-induced ferroptosis and learning/memory impairment. The study establishes a close link between ferroptosis, mitochondria, and isoflurane neurotoxicity, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

Fig. 1 Effect of isoflurane exposure on ferroptosis in hippocampus. (Liu P, et al., 2021)

References

Liu P, et al. Ferroptosis contributes to isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity and learning and memory impairment. Cell Death Discov. 2021;7(1):72.

Volatile anesthetics (isoflurane and sevoflurane) attenuated flagellin‑induced TLR5 activation and IL‑8 release from lung epithelial cells, and reduced neutrophil migration in flagellin‑induced lung injury in mice. Docking simulation suggested that isoflurane and sevoflurane bind to the TLR5‑flagellin interphase. A retrospective study in cystic fibrosis patients suggested improved oxygenation with volatile anesthesia. VAs may have protective immunomodulatory effects against bacterial pneumonia.

Fig. 2 Predicted isoflurane and sevoflurane binding site on TLR5. (Yuki K, et al., 2021)

References

Yuki K, et al. Anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane attenuate flagellin-mediated inflammation in the lung. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021;557:254-260.

Does Isoflurane require protection from light and heat during storage as a volatile anesthetic?

Yes, it is sensitive to light and heat, which can cause degradation and formation of hydrogen fluoride and other decomposition products. Store in light-resistant, tightly sealed containers.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Isoflurane?

It must be stored at 2-8°C. Avoid excessive heat above room temperature and direct sunlight, which accelerate decomposition.

Is Isoflurane stable in the presence of metal or moisture during storage?

It can degrade in contact with certain metals (e.g., aluminum) and in the presence of moisture. Use only compatible containers and ensure dryness.

How is the impurity trifluoroacetic acid (a degradation product) monitored?

This degradation product is quantified using a validated GC method with flame ionization or mass spectrometry, ensuring it remains within pharmacopoeial limits.