MT-45

Product Name: MT-45 Synonyms: IC-6; NSC 299236; 1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine123

General Description: MT-45 is formally described as 1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine.12 It is a synthetic, psychoactive molecule belonging to the piperazine class that functions as a potent, non-morphinan opioid analgesic.123 Originally developed in the 1970s as a pharmaceutical candidate, it remained an obscure research chemical until its emergence on the illicit designer drug market in the 2010s as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and heroin adulterant.123

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, MT-45 is utilized as a fundamental reference standard.123 It is essential for the calibration of analytical instrumentation (such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS) 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).123

Technical Information (Dihydrochloride Salt):

• CAS Number: 57314-55-3 (Dihydrochloride) / 41537-67-1 (Freebase)123
• Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₃₂N₂12 • 2HCl124
• Formula Weight: 421.5 g/mol (Dihydrochloride salt) / 348.5 g/mol (Freebase)123
• SMILES: N1(C(C2=CC=CC=C2)CC3=CC=CC=C3)CCN(C4CCCCC4)CC1.Cl.Cl123
• InChI Key: PDTBWROWBIVSFO-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Dihydrochloride) / IGBRRSIHEGCUEN-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Freebase)123
• Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white crystalline solid or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL in methanol).123

Biological Action: MT-45 acts as an agonist at central opioid receptors, demonstrating high binding affinity and efficacy primarily at the μ-opioid (MOR) and δ-opioid (DOR) receptors, with weaker activity at the κ-opioid (KOR) receptor.123 Its analgesic potency in vivo is highly comparable to that of morphine.123 Alongside classical opioid toxidromes (such as euphoria, profound respiratory depression, miosis, and sedation), clinical and toxicological reports of MT-45 abuse have identified a unique and severe array of atypical side effects.123 Most notably, chronic exposure has been firmly linked to bilateral hearing loss (ototoxicity), profound hair loss (alopecia), cataract formation, and severe dermatological lesions.123

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.123
• Warning: This product is highly toxic and carries a severe risk of fatal overdose.123 It is not for human or veterinary use.123
• Legal Status: MT-45 is strictly controlled under international law and was added to Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.123 In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.123 Procurement of bulk solid material requires an active Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration or an equivalent national license.23 However, highly dilute solutions (e.g., 1 mg/mL in methanol) are often formulated and sold as DEA-exempt preparations to qualified diagnostic and forensic laboratories.123 Extreme caution and stringent safety protocols must be observed; handling should only occur within professional laboratory environments using extensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent accidental inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure