3-MMC (3-Methylmethcathinone, "Metaphedrone") is a synthetic cathinone that first appeared on the European "
Research-Chemical" market in 2012 - shortly after the ban of its isomer mephedrone (4-MMC).The white powder is consumed orally or nasally to achieve a stimulant-empathogenic high.
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Pharmacologyrn3 MMC acts as a substrate on monoamine transporters and releases dopamine and norepinephrine significantly more strongly than serotonin (EC₅₀: DAT 70 nM, NET 27nM, SERT 292 nM).The result is an amphetamine-like energy boost with only a slightly entactogenic component.The substance is inactive at the human TAAR1 receptor;Their notable affinity for α₁-adrenergic receptors explains the typical “tweaking”-like peripheral stimulation.
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Toxicity &Deaths As of 2022, 3-MMC has accounted for at least 18 deaths - seven as the only drug - while more than 250 non-fatal intoxications have been reported in the EU.Blood levels in fatal cases: 0.3–1.6 µg ml⁻¹;common symptoms included tachycardia, hyperthermia, and seizures.Acute side effects correspond to those of other cathinones: dry mouth, bruxism, anxiety, loss of appetite and, in severe overdoses, hyponatremia and rhabdomyolysis.
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ChemistryrnIUPAC name: 2-(Methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one.The molecule has a chiral center;The racemate is almost exclusively found on the black market, although animal experimental data suggests that the S-enantiomer accounts for the majority of the activity.
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Metabolism &KineticsrnA pig study found oral bioavailability <10%, level peaks after 5-10 min and an elimination half-life of about 50 min. The main metabolites are 3-methylephedrine and 3-methylnorephedrine, formed via N-demethylation and ketoreduction.
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Synthesis (short)rnCommon route: 3-
Methylbenzaldehyde → Grignard addition → oxidation to ketone → α-bromination → nucleophilic exchange with methylamine;The free base is then converted into the water-soluble hydrochloride salt. rn
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Effects reported by users
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Desired: rapid increase in euphoria, talkativeness, feeling of empathy, increased music perception.
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Undesirable:Jaw muscle spasms, cold extremities, insomnia, post-stimulative down.Duration: 2-3 h (nasal), 3-5 h (oral), followed by a sustained stimulant comedown.