3-MeO-PCP

Product Name: 3-MeO-PCP (3-Methoxyphencyclidine) Synonyms: 3-Methoxy-PCP; 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine

General Description: 3-MeO-PCP is formally described as 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine. It is a synthetic, psychoactive molecule belonging to the arylcyclohexylamine class. Structurally, it is a designer derivative of the well-known dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine (PCP), differing only by the addition of a methoxy (-OCH₃) group at the 3-position of the phenyl ring. It emerged on the illicit market in the early 2010s as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) sought for its potent dissociative and hallucinogenic properties.

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, 3-MeO-PCP 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 in seized materials, adulterated illicit street drugs, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine).

Technical Information (Hydrochloride Salt):

• CAS Number: 72242-03-6 (Hydrochloride) / 91164-58-8 (Freebase)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₂₇NO • HCl
• Formula Weight: 309.9 g/mol (Hydrochloride) / 273.4 g/mol (Freebase)
• SMILES: COC1=CC=CC(=C1)C2(CCCCC2)N3CCCCC3.Cl
• InChI Key: BQZJJGHTGQQXEH-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Freebase)
• 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).

Biological Action: 3-MeO-PCP acts primarily as a high-affinity, uncompetitive antagonist at the ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In vitro binding studies indicate that its affinity for the NMDA receptor is comparable to or slightly greater than that of PCP itself. This receptor blockade heavily mediates its profound dissociative, analgesic, and hallucinogenic effects. Additionally, 3-MeO-PCP exhibits notable affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT), acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), and possesses weaker affinity for the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. Clinically, acute intoxication is associated with profound dissociation, mania, agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, and potentially severe, protracted psychosis.

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 highly potent, carries a severe risk of psychiatric complications, and is not for human or veterinary use.
• Legal Status: 3-MeO-PCP is strictly controlled under international law; it was added to Schedule II of the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 2021. In the United Kingdom, it is controlled as a Class B substance under the generic arylcyclohexylamine clause of the Misuse of Drugs Act. In the United States, 3-MeO-PCP is not explicitly scheduled at the federal level; however, due to its close structural and pharmacological similarity to the Schedule II controlled substance phencyclidine (PCP), its manufacturing, distribution, or possession can be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption. Procurement may require relevant local licenses. Handling should only occur within professional laboratory environments using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat.