Acetaminophen originally comes from chemical synthesis rather than a direct natural source. It was first synthesized in 1878 by Harmon Northrop Morse through the reduction of p-nitrophenol with tin in glacial acetic acid. Traditionally, acetaminophen has been made using chemicals derived from coal tar, which is a byproduct of coal processing. However, there is recent research into producing acetaminophen from plant-based sources, specifically from lignin, a polymer found in plant cell walls, to create a more sustainable method. In summary:

• The chemical synthesis first occurred in 1878.
• Traditional industrial production uses coal tar derivatives.
• Newer methods are exploring renewable plant biomass (lignin) as a source.

This gives acetaminophen its origins both in chemical synthesis and industrial manufacturing from coal tar, with emerging sustainable methods from plants.