Naphthoylindoles

Naphthoylindoles are a class of research chemicals that are used in the scientific study of the cannabinoid receptor system. They are primarily known for their use in the synthesis of a variety of synthetic cannabinoids that have been sold as designer drugs.

History

The first naphthoylindole to be reported was JWH-018, which was discovered in 1994 by a team led by John W. Huffman at Clemson University. Since then, a large number of related compounds have been discovered, many of which have been found to be active at the cannabinoid receptors.

Structure and Activity

Naphthoylindoles are characterized by a naphthoyl group attached to an indole core. The position and nature of the substituents on the indole ring can have a significant effect on the activity of the compound at the cannabinoid receptors. For example, JWH-018 has a naphthoyl group at the 3-position of the indole ring, and an alkyl chain at the 1-position. Other naphthoylindoles have different substituents at these positions, or additional substituents on the naphthoyl or indole rings, and these changes can result in compounds with different affinities for the cannabinoid receptors, or with different selectivity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Legal Status

Due to their potential for abuse and the health risks associated with their use, many naphthoylindoles have been made illegal in many countries. In the United States, JWH-018 and several other naphthoylindoles are classified as Schedule I controlled substances. In the European Union, many naphthoylindoles are banned under the Psychoactive Substances Act.

See Also

• Cannabinoid
• Research chemicals
• Designer drugs
• JWH-018
• John W. Huffman
• Clemson University
• Psychoactive Substances Act

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