N-ethyl-2-[2-[(4-isopropoxyphenyl)methyl]-5-nitro-benzimidazol-
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
Benzylone (IUPAC chemical name: 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2- (benzylamino)propan-1-one) is a ring-substituted synthetic cathinone. Benzylone is a white powder, and the hydrochloride salt is a crystalline solid.
WHO review history
Benzylone has not been formally reviewed by WHO and is not currently under international control. Information was brought to WHO’s attention that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
The mode of action of benzylone suggests stimulant effects similar to those of other cathinones; however, these effects are relatively weak, and it did not produce stimulant effects in animal models.
Limited information is available on its effects in humans.
Dependence potential
No information was available on the dependence potential of benzylone in animals or humans.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
In an animal model that predicts abuse potential, benzylone did not produce effects similar to those of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and its similarity to methamphetamine is unclear. No human studies have been conducted to assess abuse liability.
Benzylone has been detected in seized materials in multiple countries across several regions.
Little information was available on the adverse effects of benzylone. Although it has been detected in post-mortem samples with other substances, there is no evidence that benzylone had a causative role in the deaths.
Therapeutic usefulness
Benzylone is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
Benzylone is a synthetic cathinone that has some effects in common with substances listed under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. However, its effects are relatively weak and there is no consistent evidence supporting the likelihood of abuse or dependence. In addition, there is no consistent evidence of the extent of public health and social problems related to use of benzylone.
Recommendation: The Committee recommended that benzylone (IUPAC chemical name: 1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(benzylamino)propan-1-one) be kept under surveillance by the WHO secretariat.
ECDD Recommendation
Recommended for surveillance at 44th ECDD (2021)
Information was brought to WHO’s attention that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health, and has no recognized therapeutic use. Benzylone has a mode of action suggestive of stimulant effects similar to other cathinones. It has been detected in post-mortem samples along with other substances, although there is no significant evidence of benzylone playing a causative role in deaths. As its effects are relatively weak and there is no consistent evidence supporting the likelihood of abuse or dependence or the extent of public health and social problems related to use of benzylone, the 44th Committee recommended that it not be placed under international control at this time but be kept under surveillance.