2-(methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one
Substance identification
3-Methylmethcathinone (IUPAC chemical name: 2-(Methylamino)-1-(3- methylphenyl)propan-1-one), also known as 3-MMC, is a synthetic cathinone. 3-Methylmethcathinone has been found as a white or off-white powder, a white, yellow or orange solid and a crystalline solid. It has been detected in tablet, capsule and liquid forms.
WHO review history
3-Methylmethcathinone was critically reviewed by the Committee at its 38th meeting, in 2016, when it decided to request a further critical review once more information became available and to consider it at a subsequent meeting. Information was brought to the attention of WHO that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use. Information from international agencies suggests that there has been a significant increase in the availability of and harm due to 3-methylmethcathinone in recent years.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
3-Methylmethcathinone is an isomer of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), which is a synthetic cathinone listed under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
3-Methylmethcathinone has a typical psychostimulant profile, similar to that of 4-methylmethcathinone, including inhibition of the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin and increased release of dopamine and serotonin.
Clinical features of 3-methylmethcathinone intoxication are consistent with those
produced by other stimulants and include tachycardia, hypertension, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Dependence potential
No controlled studies of the dependence potential of 3-methylmethcathinone in animals or humans have been reported. Withdrawal symptoms indicative of physical dependence have been documented in people who use 3-methylmethcathinone. In view of its actions and effects on the central nervous system, 3-methylmethcathinone would be expected to produce dependence similar to other psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
In animal models predictive of rewarding effects, 3-methylmethcathinone produced effects that were similar to those of methamphetamine. 3-Methylmethcathinone also produced behavioural (stimulant) effects similar to methamphetamine. No controlled studies in humans have examined the abuse potential of 3-methylmethcathinone.
3-Methylmethcathinone has been seized in multiple countries in several regions.
Many fatal and non-fatal intoxications involving 3-methylmethcathinone have been reported. Other substances were commonly involved in these cases, although severe intoxication and death have been reported in cases in which 3-methylmethcathinone was the only substance identified.
Therapeutic usefulness
3-Methylmethcathinone is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
3-Methylmethcathinone (IUPAC chemical name: 2-(Methylamino)-1-(3- methylphenyl)propan-1-one), also known as 3-MMC, is a synthetic cathinone with effects similar to those of other synthetic cathinones and other psychostimulants such as methamphetamine that are listed under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. There is evidence that its abuse is likely to constitute a substantial public health and social problem. It has no known therapeutic use.
Recommendation: The Committee recommended that 3-methylmethcathinone (IUPAC chemical name: 2-(Methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one), also known as 3-MMC, be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.