Summary
4-Methylethcathinone, commonly called 4-MEC, is a chemical compound that shares structural similarities with mephedrone. This substance is believed to belong to the classes of stimulant and entactogen drugs, encompassing phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone chemical categories, mainly due to its resemblance to mephedrone.
4-MEC has been distributed in its pure form and as part of mixtures containing other substituted cathinones, often labelled as “NRG-2.” However, it’s worth noting that some blends, such as “NRG-1,” may have been less transparent regarding their composition.
Notably, 4-MEC has been identified as the active ingredient in counterfeit “Ecstasy” pills in certain regions, including New Zealand.
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | |
| CAS Number | 1225617-18-4 1266688-86-1 (hydrochloride) |
|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 52988258 |
| ChemSpider | 25630091 |
| UNII | 9665W17SH3 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C12H17NO |
| Molar mass | 191.274 g·mol−1 |
Recreational use
Injecting 4-MEC has been reported by some users, involving preparing a heated water and 4-MEC solution to facilitate its dissolution. It’s important to note that injecting 4-MEC can be harsh on the veins and may lead to a burning sensation. For safety reasons, diluting 4-MEC as much as possible is strongly advised when preparing it for intravenous use.
It’s worth emphasizing that intravenous dosages of 4-MEC are typically similar to oral dosages. However, extra caution should be exercised when considering this route of administration, as there is an increased risk of overdose and potential long-term effects that need to be considered.
Legality
4-MEC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
FAQ
1. What is 4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC)?
4-Methylethcathinone, often abbreviated as 4-MEC, is a chemical compound that shares structural similarities with mephedrone. It is commonly associated with the stimulant and entactogen drug classes.
2. What are the chemical classes that 4-MEC belongs to?
4-MEC is considered to be part of the phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone chemical classes due to its structural resemblance to mephedrone.
3. How is 4-MEC typically marketed?
4-MEC has been marketed independently as an ingredient in mixtures containing other substituted cathinones. These mixtures are often sold under various names, with “NRG-2” a notable example.
4. Has 4-MEC been used in counterfeit drugs?
4-MEC has been identified as the active ingredient in counterfeit “Ecstasy” pills in certain regions, including New Zealand.
5. Is intravenous use of 4-MEC joint?
Some users have reported injecting 4-MEC intravenously. However, this route of administration can be harsh on the veins and is often accompanied by a burning sensation. Users are advised to dilute 4-MEC as much as possible for intravenous use and exercise caution due to the risk of overdose and potential long-term effects.
6. How is 4-MEC regulated in the United States?
In the United States, 4-MEC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, indicating that possessing, manufacturing, or distributing is illegal.
References
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- “Ustawa z dnia 15 kwietnia 2011 r. o zmianie ustawy o przeciwdziałaniu narkomanii ( Dz.U. 2011 nr 105 poz. 614 )” [Act of April 15, 2011, amending the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction (Journal of Laws 2011 No. 105, item 614)]. Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
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- Helfer AG, Turcant A, Boels D, Ferec S, Lelièvre B, Welter J, et al. (May 2015). “Identification of Metabolites of the Novel Psychoactive Substance 4-methyl-N-ethyl-cathinone (4-MEC) in Human Urine and Pooled Liver Microsomes using GC-MS and LC-HR-MS/MS Techniques, and Its Detectability by Standard GC-MS or LC-MS(n) Screening Methods”. Drug Testing and Analysis. 7 (5): 368–75. doi:10.1002/dta.1682. PMID 24953431.
- Brandt SD, Sumnall HR, Measham F, Cole J (July 2010). “The Enigmatic Case of NRG-1: A Second Generation of Mephedrone”. BMJ. 341: c3564. doi:10.1136/bmj.c3564. PMID 20605894. S2CID 20354123.
- “Individual Faces Court Charges Following Drug Seizure of Substances and Currency”. May 24, 2012 – via www.nzherald.co.nz.
- Brandt SD, Sumnall HR, Measham F, Cole J (August 2010). “Analysis of Second-Generation ‘Legal Highs’ in the UK: Preliminary Findings”. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2 (8): 377–82. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.667.4728. doi:10.1002/dta.155. PMID 20687197.
- Jankovics P, Váradi A, Tölgyesi L, Lohner S, Németh-Palotás J, Koszegi-Szalai H (July 2011). “Identification and Characterization of the New Designer Drug 4′-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and Development of a Novel Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Screening Method for Seven Different Methcathinone Analogs”. Forensic Science International. 210 (1–3): 213–20. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.03.019. PMID 21498012.
- “Compilations of Regulatory Actions, Controlled Substances, and Regulated Chemicals” (PDF). deadiversion.usdoj.gov. February 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.