JWH-122

Product Name: JWH-122 Synonyms: 4-methyl-JWH-018; (4-methylnaphthalen-1-yl)(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone

General Description: JWH-122 is formally described as (4-methylnaphthalen-1-yl)(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone. It is a synthetic, highly psychoactive molecule belonging to the aminoalkylindole class, specifically the naphthoylindole subclass of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). Originally synthesized by Dr. John W. Huffman and his research team at Clemson University as an experimental compound to study cannabinoid receptor structure-activity relationships, JWH-122 is structurally the 4-methylnaphthyl analogue of the notorious first-generation designer drug JWH-018. It emerged heavily on the illicit designer drug market around 2010 as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and a highly potent active ingredient in “herbal incense” smoking blends (colloquially known as “Spice” or “K2”).

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, JWH-122 is utilized as a fundamental reference standard. 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 and its metabolites in seized materials, adulterated products, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine).

Technical Information:

• CAS Number: 619240-47-2
• Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₂₅NO
• Formula Weight: 355.48 g/mol
• SMILES: CCCCCN1C=C(C2=C1C=CC=C2)C(=O)C3=C4C=CC=CC4=C(C)C=C3
• InChI Key: RZJMMZZFOKWUSQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white-to-off-white crystalline solid or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL or 100 µg/mL in methanol or acetonitrile).

Biological Action: JWH-122 acts as a highly potent, non-selective full agonist at both the central cannabinoid type 1 (CB₁) and peripheral cannabinoid type 2 (CB₂) receptors. In vitro binding assays demonstrate that the addition of the 4-methyl group significantly increases its binding affinity; JWH-122 exhibits a K_i of approximately 0.69 nM at the CB₁ receptor, making it substantially more potent than both its parent compound JWH-018 and natural Δ⁹-THC. By functioning as a full agonist lacking the partial-agonist “ceiling effect” characteristic of THC, JWH-122 profoundly overstimulates the endocannabinoid system. Acute intoxication is notoriously associated with severe synthetic cannabinoid toxidromes, including pronounced tachycardia, hypertension, intense paranoia, acute synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis, severe agitation, seizures, and potentially fatal cardiovascular or neurological emergencies.

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.
• Warning: This product is an exceptionally potent synthetic cannabinoid and carries a severe risk of psychiatric crises, neurological emergencies (including seizures), and potentially fatal overdose. It is not for human or veterinary use.