methanesulfonyl fluoride

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

Action: 

• Mesylating Agent: methanesulfonyl fluoride is used as a mesylating agent in organic chemistry. It reacts with alcohols to form mesylates (methanesulfonates). This mesylation reaction is often employed in the protection of hydroxyl groups in various organic compounds. 

Spectrum: 

• Substrate Specificity: methanesulfonyl fluoride is commonly used to react with a broad range of alcohols to form mesylates. The spectrum of its reactivity is particularly relevant to compounds containing hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups. 
• Organic Synthesis: Its primary application is in organic synthesis, where it serves as a versatile reagent for the modification and protection of functional groups in organic molecules. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Coughing 

difficulty breathing 

wheezing 

Nausea 

diarrhea 

Vomiting 

Cardiovascular effects 

Muscle weakness 

CNS effects 

Cancer 

Neurological damage

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is no specific black box warning associated with methanesulfonyl fluoride.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Reactivity: MSF is a highly reactive compound and can react with various functional groups in organic molecules. Care should be taken to avoid unintended reactions and to handle it under controlled conditions. 
• Toxicity: MSF is toxic, and exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Proper personal protective equipment, including gloves and respiratory protection, should be used when handling this reagent. 
• Handling Precautions: The reagent should be handled in a fume hood or ventilated area to minimize inhalation exposure. Strict adherence to established laboratory protocols for the handling of hazardous materials is essential. 

Caution: 

• Handling in Controlled Environment: Work with MSF in a well-ventilated area or a fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure. Ensure proper containment measures to prevent spills. 
• Avoid Incompatible Materials: MSF may react with certain materials and substances. Avoid contact with incompatible materials and store it away from substances with which it can react violently. 
• Use of Inert Gases: In some applications, the use of inert gases (such as nitrogen) may be recommended to create an inert atmosphere and prevent reactions with oxygen or moisture. 

Comorbidities: 

• Inhalation Risks: Inhalation of vapors or dust from MSF can lead to respiratory issues, and appropriate measures should be taken to minimize inhalation exposure. 
• Corrosive Properties: It is corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Avoid direct skin contact and wear suitable protective clothing, including eye protection, to prevent burns or irritation. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF) is not typically discussed in the context of pharmacology, as it is not a pharmaceutical agent but rather a chemical reagent used in organic synthesis. As a reagent, MSF is utilized in the creation of mesylates, a class of compounds formed by the reaction of MSF with alcohols. The mesylation reaction involves replacing a hydroxyl group with the mesyl (methanesulfonyl) group.

This process is valuable in organic chemistry for protecting and modifying functional groups in various organic molecules. MSF’s pharmacological profile is not characterized in terms of therapeutic effects or interactions with biological systems, as it is primarily employed as a tool in laboratory synthesis rather than for medical applications. Safety considerations revolve around its reactivity, toxicity, and corrosive nature, emphasizing the importance of careful handling in well-ventilated environments with proper protective measures. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

MSF is a chemical reagent used in organic synthesis, particularly in the formation of mesylates. Its pharmacological profile is not characterized by interactions with specific receptors or physiological systems in the body. 

• Mesylation Reaction: MSF is known for its ability to undergo a mesylation reaction. In this process, it reacts with alcohols to form mesylates (methanesulfonates). The reaction involves the substitution of a hydroxyl group with a mesyl group. This reaction is valuable in the protection and modification of functional groups in organic molecules. 
• Reactivity: MSF is highly reactive, and its pharmacodynamics are associated with its chemical reactivity rather than specific interactions with biological targets. It is commonly used as a reagent in the synthesis of various organic compounds. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

• Absorption: MSF is not administered in a way that it undergoes typical absorption processes within the body. It is usually used in controlled reactions in laboratory settings. 
• Distribution: Distribution in biological tissues is not a relevant consideration for MSF. Its distribution is determined by its use in chemical reactions within the reaction vessel. 
• Metabolism: Traditional metabolic processes within the body, as seen with pharmaceutical drugs, are not applicable to MSF. It undergoes reactions in the context of organic synthesis, where it participates in chemical transformations. 
• Excretion: MSF is typically handled and disposed of according to laboratory waste disposal protocols. Its excretion from the body is not a biological process but rather involves proper waste management practices. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF) is not administered in the traditional sense, as it is not a pharmaceutical drug intended for medical use. Instead, it is a chemical reagent primarily used in laboratory settings for organic synthesis. When working with MSF in the laboratory, its application involves specific techniques in chemical reactions rather than administration to a biological system.

The handling of MSF typically follows established laboratory protocols for the safe use of reactive and potentially hazardous chemicals.  MSF is often used in controlled reactions within a laboratory setting. It is added to reaction vessels as part of the synthesis process, typically involving the formation of mesylates. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: methanesulfonyl fluoride 

Pronounced: (Meth – ane – sul – fonyl – fluoride)

Why do we use methanesulfonyl fluoride? 

methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF) is a chemical reagent with various applications in organic synthesis. Its primary function is as a reagent in chemical reactions, particularly in the creation of mesylates.  MSF is widely used for mesylation reactions, where it reacts with alcohols to form mesylates (methanesulfonates). This reaction involves substituting a hydroxyl group in an organic molecule with a mesyl group.

Mesylates are valuable intermediates in organic synthesis. The mesylation reaction is often employed for the protection of hydroxyl groups in organic molecules. By converting hydroxyl groups to mesylates, chemists can temporarily block the reactivity of these groups, allowing for selective transformations in a multi-step synthesis.