3-desoxy-MDPV

3-Desoxy-MDPV, also known as 5-DBFPV or 5-dihydrobenzofuranpyrovalerone, is a synthetic cathinone in the pyrrolidinophenone group. Its structure is related to MDPV, but the methylenedioxy ring is replaced by a dihydrobenzofuran ring. The compound has been identified in seized drug material and analytical reference records, while direct pharmacological and clinical information remains scarce.

Chemistry and relationship to MDPV

5-DBFPV is 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one. It retains the pyrrolidine-containing cathinone side chain associated with pyrovalerone derivatives. The name “3-desoxy-MDPV” reflects its structural relationship to MDPV, but it is not simply another name for MDPV and should be treated as a separate compound.

The US Food and Drug Administration’s Global Substance Registration System lists 5-DBFPV and 3-desoxy-MDPV as synonyms for the same chemical identity. A Cayman Chemical safety data sheet also uses the name 3-desoxy-3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone for the hydrochloride form (FDA Substance Registration System: 5-DBFPV).

Identification in seized material

A 2016 analytical study reported the identification of 5-DBFPV in a group of pyrrolidinyl-substituted cathinones. The researchers used liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance to confirm the structures. The paper focused on analytical identification and fragmentation patterns rather than pharmacological effects (Qian and colleagues, 2017).

Pharmacology and reported effects

Direct research has yet to establish the transporter profile or potency of 5-DBFPV. Its pyrrolidinophenone structure suggests a relationship to dopamine- and norepinephrine-transporter inhibitors such as MDPV and other pyrovalerones, but structural similarity cannot replace experiments on 5-DBFPV itself.

There is also insufficient reliable human reporting to describe a characteristic subjective experience. Effects attributed to MDPV or other pyrovalerones should not automatically be assigned to 5-DBFPV.

Toxicity and research limitations

No well-characterised clinical case series or human pharmacokinetic study specific to 5-DBFPV was identified in the available literature. Its acute toxic range, metabolism, dependence potential and long-term effects remain unknown. Identification in seized material confirms that it has appeared in the drug market, but does not establish the frequency of use or the nature of its effects in people.

More direct receptor, transporter and toxicological research would be needed before its pharmacology could be compared reliably with MDPV.

Related compounds

5-DBFPV is related to MDPV, MDPHP and other pyrrolidinophenone cathinones. Its dihydrobenzofuran ring distinguishes it from the methylenedioxy ring in MDPV.