4'-Methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone

4'-Methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (MPBP) is a stimulant compound which has been reported as a novel designer drug. It is closely related to pyrovalerone, being simply its chain-lengthened homologue. In the pyrrolidinophenone series, stimulant activity is maintained so long as the positions of the aromatic ring, carbonyl group, and amino group are held constant, while the alkyl chain is varied.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

4'-Methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone is a synthetic cathinone. Cathinones are structurally similar to amphetamines, they contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. Cathinones such as MPBP are alpha-methylated phenethylamines (i.e., amphetamines) but differ from them with the addition of a keto functional group, a carbonyl group at Rβ.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

The pharmacology of 4'-Methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone is largely unknown. As a cathinone, it is likely to act as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), but its action may also involve suppression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), leading to increased concentrations of synaptic neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine.

Legality[edit | edit source]

The legal status of 4'-Methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone varies by country, but it is often considered a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess this substance.