N-Ethylpentylone

N-Ethylpentylone

N-Ethylpentylone (β-keto-ethylbenzodioxolylpentanamine, βk-ethyl-K, βk-EBDP, ephylone) is a stimulant compound developed in the 1960s, which has been reported as a novel designer drug. It is a substituted cathinone (a type of amphetamine) where the benzene ring is replaced by a methylenedioxy (3,4-dioxolyl) ring, the beta carbon of the amine is substituted with a ketone group and the alpha carbon is substituted with an ethyl group.

Chemistry

N-Ethylpentylone is a cathinone, which is a group of drugs related to the amphetamines. Its structure is comprised of a phenethylamine core with an attached amino group through the alpha carbon. It is further modified by an ethyl group at the alpha carbon to form the ethyl substituent and an additional ketone group at the beta carbon. N-Ethylpentylone is a substituted form of cathinone, where the core amphetamine structure is modified by an ethyl group on the alpha carbon, and a ketone group on the beta carbon. The benzene ring of the structure is also replaced by a methylenedioxy group.

Pharmacology

As a cathinone, N-Ethylpentylone is believed to function as a monoamine reuptake inhibitor, meaning it raises the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down. However, due to its relative novelty, the exact pharmacological properties and toxicological profile of N-Ethylpentylone in humans is not known.

Legal Status

N-Ethylpentylone is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and addiction. It is often included in the same legal category as other amphetamines and cathinones.

See Also

• Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
• Methylone
• Ethylone
• Butylone
• Pentylone