C14H21NO

C14H21NO is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, including but not limited to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These compounds are alkaloids and share a similar structural backbone. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are diastereomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are naturally occurring in plants of the Ephedra genus. They are known for their stimulant properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In modern pharmacology, they are recognized as sympathomimetic amines, which means they mimic the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body.

The primary physiological effects of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine include vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and central nervous system stimulation. These effects have led to their use in a variety of medicinal applications, such as decongestants and bronchodilators for asthma. However, due to potential side effects and concerns about misuse, their availability and regulation have varied significantly across different regions. The illicit synthesis of methamphetamine from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine has also led to strict controls on their sale and distribution in many countries.