Product Name: 3-MeO-PCE (3-Methoxyeticyclidine) Synonyms: 3-Methoxy-PCE; Methoxieticyclidine; N-Ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-amine123

General Description: 3-MeO-PCE is formally described as N-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-amine.134 It is a synthetic, psychoactive molecule belonging to the arylcyclohexylamine class.4 Structurally, it is a designer derivative of the dissociative anesthetic eticyclidine (PCE) and is a close analogue to both 3-MeO-PCP and methoxetamine (MXE).4 It emerged on the illicit market in the 2010s as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) sought for its potent dissociative and hallucinogenic properties.4

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, 3-MeO-PCE is utilized as a fundamental reference standard.4 It is essential for the calibration of analytical instrumentation (such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and NMR) and the development of screening methodologies to identify and quantify the substance in seized materials, adulterated illicit street drugs, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine).4

Technical Information (Hydrochloride Salt):

CAS Number: 1797121-52-8 (Hydrochloride) / 1364933-80-1 (Freebase)4
Molecular Formula: C15H23NO345 • HCl
Formula Weight: 269.8 g/mol (Hydrochloride) / 233.35 g/mol (Freebase)4
SMILES: CCNC1(CCCCC1)C2=CC(=CC=C2)OC.Cl34
InChI Key: OFGOOZLOGUNDFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Freebase)34
Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white crystalline solid or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL or 100 µg/mL in methanol).4

Biological Action: 3-MeO-PCE acts primarily as a high-affinity, uncompetitive antagonist at the ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.4 In vitro binding studies indicate that its affinity for the NMDA receptor (Ki ~ 61 nM) is remarkably potent, exceeding that of many classic arylcyclohexylamines.4 This receptor blockade heavily mediates its profound dissociative, analgesic, and hallucinogenic effects.4 Additionally, 3-MeO-PCE exhibits notable affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT, Ki ~ 115 nM), acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), and possesses weaker affinity for dopamine and norepinephrine transporters.4 Clinically, acute intoxication is associated with profound dissociation, mania, agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, and potentially severe, protracted psychosis.4

Regulatory and Safety Information:

Intended Use: This product is intended strictly for use as an analytical reference standard for forensic, toxicological, and academic research purposes.4
Warning: This product is highly potent, carries a severe risk of psychiatric complications, and is not for human or veterinary use.4
Legal Status: The regulatory status of 3-MeO-PCE varies globally.34 In the United Kingdom, it is controlled as a Class B substance under the generic arylcyclohexylamine clause of the Misuse of Drugs Act.4 In the United States, 3-MeO-PCE is not explicitly scheduled at the federal level; however, due to its close structural and pharmacological similarity to the Schedule I controlled substance eticyclidine (PCE), its manufacturing, distribution, or possession can be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption.4 It is also strictly banned in several European countries, including Sweden and Switzerland.4 Procurement may require relevant local or institutional licenses.4 Handling should only occur within professional laboratory environments using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coa