Phenylacetic acid (abr. PAA and synonyms are: α-toluic acid, benzeneacetic acid, alpha tolylic acid, 2-phenylacetic acid, β-phenylacetic acid) is an organic compound containing a phenyl functional group and acarboxylic acid functional group. Because it is used in the illicit production of phenylacetone (used in the manufacture of substituted amphetamines), it is subject to controls in countries including the United States and China Phenylacetic acid is used in some perfumes, possessing a honey-like odor in low concentrations, and is also used in penicillin G production. It is also employed to treat type II hyperammonemia to help reduce the amounts of ammonia in a patient's bloodstream by forming phenylacetyl-CoA, which then reacts with nitrogen-rich glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine. This compound is then secreted by the patient's body. In Phase 2 of clinical research it investigated in the treatment of Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors.

The isolation and naming of ergotamine by Stoll occurred in 1925 but the complete elucidation of structure was not achieved until 1951, with synthesis following some 10 years later. Current sources of ergotamine include the isolation from field ergot and fermentation broth, as well as synthesis via coupling of (+)-lysergic acid with the appropriate synthetic peptidic moiety. Ergotamine was introduced into world commerce in 1921, and is currently marketed as its water soluble tartrate salt. Ergotamine is a partial agonist at various tryptaminergic receptors (including the serotonin receptor [5-HT2]) and at various α-adrenergic receptors in blood vessels and various smooth muscles. It is likely that the major activity of ergotamine and related alkaloids is one of agonism at the 5-HT1B/1D receptors, just as with the “triptan” antimigraine compounds. FDA-labeled indications for ergotamine tartrate are in the abortion or prevention of vascular headaches, such as migraine, migraine variant, cluster headache, and histaminic cephalalgia.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug. Pseudoephedrine acts as an adrenomimetic and inhibitor of monoamine transporters. Ephedra sinica, a species of ephedra (ma huang), contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedra has been found to stimulate the nervous system, increase airflow into the lungs and constrict blood vessels. In combination with caffeine, ephedra appears to cause weight loss. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Tetraglycine hydroperiodide is an iodine-containing chemical, used for water purification. Tetraglycine hydroperiodide is marketed in tablets; each tablet effectively disinfects 1 liter of clear water or 0.5 liter of tainted water by releasing approximately 8 mg free iodine. It requires approximately 30 minutes to inactivate target microorganisms and make water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. To remove iodine taste, a vitamin C pill is added to the kit.

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.