Acetic anhydride is an esterification agent for use in prepn. of modified food starch and for acetylation of monoglycerides. Acetic anhydride is a versatile reagent for acetylations, the introduction of acetyl groups to organic substrates. Acetic anhydride is the chemical compound with the formula (CH3CO)2O (commonly abbreviated Ac2O). Ac2O is mainly used for acetylations leading to commercially significant materials. Its largest application is for the conversion of cellulose to cellulose acetate, which is a component of photographic film and other coated materials. Similarly it is used in the production of aspirin, acetyl salicylic acid, which is prepared by the acetylation of salicylic acid. It is also used as a wood preservative via autoclave impregnation to make a longer lasting timber. Ac2O is also used in many industrial processes for the production of plastics, textiles, dyes, photochemical agents, perfumes, explosives and cigarette filters. Because of its use for the synthesis of heroin by the diacetylation of morphine, acetic anhydride (known as 'AA' in clandestine chemistry circles) is listed as a U.S. DEA List II Precursor, and restricted in many other countries.

Solamargine is the one of major compounds of Solanum lycocarpum- fruit glycoalkaloid extract, and a major steroidal alkaloid glycoside, which is purified from Solanum nigrum L (SNL), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It has been shown that solamargine has anti-tumor activity against the several types of cancers. Also as a part of SR-T100 Gel solamargine in the phase II of clinical trial for the treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Bowen's Disease. The precise mechanism of its actions is still undefined, but existed several potential pathways. In case of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, solamargine inhibits the growth cells through AMPKalpha-mediated inhibition of p65, followed by reduction of MUC1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In case of lung cancer cells solamargine inhibits the growth cells through reduction of EP4 protein expression, followed by increasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The inter-correlations between EP4, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and c-Jun and feedback regulation of ERK1/2 by c-Jun contribute to the overall responses of solamargine in this process.

E-52862, also known as sigma-1 receptor antagonist (API-001, S1RA) successfully completed Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of pain, showing good safety and tolerability, and a pharmacokinetic profile compatible with once a day oral administration.