Dipentylone

Substance identification
Dipentylone or N-methylpentylone (IUPAC name: 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(dimethylamino)pentan-
1-one, also known as N,N-dimethylpentylone, dimethylpentylone or bk-DMBDP) is a synthetic
cathinone. It is distributed mainly as crystals or tablets.

WHO review history
Dipentylone has not been reviewed formally 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
In common with other cathinone psychostimulants, dipentylone has been shown to act via dopamine,
serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in the central nervous system to increase the
concentrations of these neurotransmitters. Online self-reports describe insomnia, hallucinations,
paranoia and confusion after its use. Adverse effects documented in clinical presentations include
agitation and tachycardia. These effects are consistent with a psychostimulant mechanism of action.

Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies of the dependence potential of dipentylone in experimental
animals or humans were available. In view of its action in the central nervous system, however,
dipentylone would be expected to produce a state of dependence similar to that produced by
amphetamine and other psychostimulants.

Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Studies in experimental animls demonstrate that dipentylone has an abuse potential similar to that of
methamphetamine, which is listed under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and cocaine, which is listed under Schedule I of the Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.
Dipentylone has been shown to produce locomotor stimulant effects in animal models.
No controlled studies on the abuse potential of dipentylone in humans were identified.
Non-fatal intoxication involving dipentylone that required hospitalization has been reported, and fatal
intoxications have been reported by a number of countries, in which no other substance was involved
in at least one case. Cases of driving under the influence of dipentylone have reported by some
countries.
Seizures of dipentylone have been reported in a number of countries and regions. Dipentylone
appears to be commonly sold as cocaine or MDMA.

Therapeutic use
Dipentylone is not known to have any therapeutic uses and has never been marketed as a medicinal
product.

Rationale and recommendation
Dipentylone or N-methylpentylone 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. Its mode of action suggests the
likelihood of abuse, and it poses a substantial risk to public health. It has no known therapeutic use.
The Committee recommended that dipentylone or N-methylpentylone (IUPAC name: 1-(1,3-
benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(dimethylamino)pentan-1-one) be added to Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971.