4-Methylethcathinone metabolite (hydrochloride) ((±)-Ephedrine stereochemistry) (Synonyms: 4MEC metabolite, 4methylNethyl Cathinone metabolite)

4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC) (hydrochloride) is a cathinone derivative identified in several designer, recreational drugs that are sold as "legal high" replacements for controlled stimulants such as methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.^1,2,3 This metabolite of 4-MEC features conversion of the β-keto group to β-hydroxy and is an enantiomeric mixture of the R,S and S,R orientations at carbons one and two, as in ephedrine. The physiological and toxicological properties of this compound have not been elucidated. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.

1.Schifano, F., Albanese, A., Fergus, S., et al.Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; 'meow meow'): Chemical, pharmacological and clinical issuesPsychopharmacology (Berl).214(3)593-602(2011) 2.Santali, E.Y., Cadogan, A.K., Nic Daeid, N., et al.Synthesis, full chemical characterisation and development of validated methods for the quantification of (±)-4'-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone): A new "legal high"Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Analysis56246-255(2011) 3.Gibbons, S., and Zloh, M.An analysis of the 'legal high' mephedroneBioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.20(14)4135-4139(2010)