How it's obtained, made, synthesized

How it's obtained: one of the most common drugs in the world, and is manufactured in huge quantities. Acetaminophen is obtained over the counter.

How it's made: The pain killing properties were discovered by accident when a similar molecule was added to a patients prescription about 100 years ago

How it's synthesized: acetaminophen contains dark impurities carried along the p-aminophenol starting material. These impurities are formed from oxidation of the starting phenol. Most of the color impurities are destroyed by heating with sodium dithionite.