Alfred Einhorn (27 February 1856 – 21 March 1917) was a German chemist most notable for first synthesizing procaine in 1905 which he patented under the name Novocain.

[2] Until that time the primary anesthetic in use was cocaine, however its undesirable side effects (including toxicity and addiction) led scientists to seek out newer anesthetic drugs.

However, none of the other anesthetics developed during this period proved more effective and Novocain quickly became the standard local anesthesia.

Although its use has largely been replaced by lidocaine, it is still in use today, most frequently in dentistry.

Einhorn was born in Hamburg, and due to the death of his parents his education took place in Leipzig with his relatives.