3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine

Chemical compound

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3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine (MDPEA) is a chemical compound belonging to the class of phenethylamines. It is structurally related to other compounds such as 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but it is not known to have psychoactive effects.

Chemical structure and properties

3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine is characterized by the presence of a methylenedioxy group attached to the phenyl ring of the phenethylamine structure. This group consists of two oxygen atoms connected by a methylene bridge, forming a 1,3-dioxole ring. The chemical formula for MDPEA is C₉H₁₁NO₂.

Synthesis

The synthesis of 3,4-methylenedioxyphenethylamine can be achieved through several methods, often involving the use of safrole or isosafrole as starting materials. These compounds undergo oxidation to form the corresponding aldehyde, which is then subjected to reductive amination to yield MDPEA.

Pharmacology

Unlike its more famous analogs, MDPEA does not appear to have significant psychoactive properties. It is not known to act as a serotonin or dopamine releaser, nor does it have significant affinity for the serotonin receptors that are typically involved in the action of psychoactive phenethylamines.

Potential uses

While 3,4-methylenedioxyphenethylamine itself is not used in medicine or research, its structure serves as a basis for the synthesis of other compounds that may have pharmacological activity. Researchers may study MDPEA as a reference compound to understand the structure-activity relationships of related psychoactive substances.

Safety and legality

MDPEA is not a controlled substance in most jurisdictions, but its structural similarity to controlled substances like MDMA may subject it to certain regulatory scrutiny. It is important to note that the legal status of chemical compounds can vary widely between countries and regions.

Related pages

• Phenethylamine
• 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine
• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
• Safrole

Gallery

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  Structural formula of 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine
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  Ball-and-stick model of 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine

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  3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine
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  3,4-Methylenedioxyphenethylamine