3-Methylmethcathinone

Product information

IUPAC-name      2-(methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)-1-propanone HCl

Synonyms         3-Methylmethcathinone HCl, 3-methyl MC, 3-MMC, 3MMC

Formal name      2-(methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)-1-propanone, monohydrochloride

Cas number     1246816-62-5

Formula            C₁₁H₁₅NO • HCl

Formula Weight    213.7

Formulation      A crystalline solid

3-Methyl Methcathinone (3MMC) is a designer drug that is related to the more commonly known substance mephedrone. Although it is illegal in most countries, it has been on the recreational drug market since 2012. Unlike other legal highs, 3-MMC was studied in large mammals of which much was understood about the substance compared to other synthetic cathinones. 3-MMC is classified as a substituted cathinone and  a substrate that potentiates the uptake of norepinephrine and shows more pronounced dopaminergic activity. 3-Methylmethcathinone is a cyclic isomer of Mephedrone. It has a chiral center at the C-2 carbon and is expected to have two enantiomers.

3-MMC was first detected in Sweden in 2012, and it was mainly sold as a research chemical. It was developed as a designer drug that was used for recreational purposes. One of the most widely used ways to produce 3-MMC is by adding ethyl magnesium bromide to 2-methylbenzaldehyde. This method produces a 2-bromo ketone, which is converted to a 3-MMC free base. Crystalline or solid crystals of 3-MMC are the most common forms produced.

In animals, 3-MMC has a high absorption rate and can be rapidly absorbed by the body. It exhibits a plasma half-life of about 8 hours after ingestion. Also, its effects on animal feeding behavior have been proven to lead to weight gain. It has several potential uses, including as a recreational sedative and for pain management.

In humans, 3-MMC has no known pharmacological effects. In rats, it produces dopamine, which is a natural opiate. This arousal is induced by a chemical like mephedrone. In this drug, the body releases dopamine. It is responsible for creating a feeling of happiness.  The drug induced cellular lysis and induced significant levels of caspase-3 activity. In addition, it did not affect mitochondrial membrane potential. In mice, 3-MMC induced apoptosis and autophagy. In humans, it did not increase the risk of cancer.

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-methylMC) (hydrochloride) is a potential and major impurity in 4-methylMC formulations. As an isomer of 4-methyl MC, it may have psychoactive properties and can itself be sold as a designer drug. Also, It is known that the metabolites of 3-MMC are involved in the metabolic pathway of human hair samples. The pathway is expected to be followed by N-demethylation.

Studies on pharmacology revealed that 3-MMC is similar to 4-MMC in that it can inhibit the SERT and NET, and it has stronger amphetamine-like properties than mephedrone. It also has weaker binding to the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors.

The Toxicological and physiological characteristics of this chemical have not yet been determined. This product is used in forensic and research applications.

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.

This product is only available to persons of 21 years old and above.

Hazard statement(s)