3-FMC (3-Fluoromethcathinone) Product Description

Introduction

3-Fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC) is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the cathinone class, characterized by a fluorine atom substitution at the 3-position of the phenyl ring. It is structurally related to other synthetic cathinones such as flephedrone (4-fluoromethcathinone) and is part of a broader family encompassing phenethylamine and amphetamine derivatives. 3-FMC is mainly encountered as a research chemical and designer drug, utilized in laboratory settings for the assessment of stimulant pharmacology and neurotoxicological effects. It is supplied as a hydrochloride salt or free base powder to ensure high purity and reliable dosing for scientific investigation.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or hydrochloride salt.

• Purity: Research-grade products typically exhibit ≥ 98% purity.

• Solubility: Highly soluble in polar solvents including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol, methanol, and water (as hydrochloride salt).

• Storage Recommendations: Store pellets or powder in airtight, light-resistant containers under cool (2-8°C), dry conditions to prevent degradation.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-FMC functions as a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent serotonin. It exerts its stimulant effects by entering presynaptic neurons through dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) transporters, reversing transporter function and promoting neurotransmitter release. This elevates synaptic monoamine concentrations leading to enhanced locomotion, alertness, and stimulating effects. 3-FMC’s fluorinated molecular structure influences its pharmacokinetics, potentially altering metabolic stability and potency compared to non-fluorinated cathinones.

Research Applications

3-FMC is extensively utilized in neuropharmacological research to study stimulant mechanisms, neurotoxicity, and abuse potential. It serves as a tool for behavioral pharmacology, toxicology, and forensic analytical method development.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Comparison to 4-FMC (Flephedrone) and Methcathinone

Compared to 4-FMC, 3-FMC differs by the position of its fluorine substituent, resulting in distinct selectivity and potency profiles. While 4-FMC is more widely researched, 3-FMC has unique pharmacodynamic properties due to the meta-fluorination. Relative to methcathinone, 3-FMC exhibits higher potency and altered monoamine transporter interactions, likely increasing stimulant effects and abuse liability.

Advantages for Research

• Enables detailed exploration of fluorine positional effects on cathinone pharmacology.

• Supports toxicological profiling relevant to emerging psychoactive substances.

• Facilitates robust examination of stimulant neurotoxicity mechanisms.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and lab coats must be worn. Handling should be performed in ventilated fume hoods to avoid inhalation and dermal exposure.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Disposal should comply with institutional hazardous chemical waste protocols. Environmental contamination must be prevented through containment.

Regulatory Status

3-FMC is controlled or regulated in many jurisdictions. It is restricted to licensed research applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the mechanism of stimulant action of 3-FMC?

• It reverses monoamine transporters, increasing extracellular dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

2. How is 3-FMC typically synthesized?

• Via bromination followed by methylamine substitution of 3-fluoropropiophenone intermediates.

3. Is 3-FMC water-soluble?

• The hydrochloride salt form is water-soluble; free base is soluble in organic solvents.

4. How does 3-FMC differ from 3-fluoroamphetamine?

• 3-FMC includes a ketone group creating a cathinone structure, leading to differing pharmacokinetics and potency.

5. What safety precautions should be followed?

• Use PPE, handle in fume hoods, avoid exposure, and dispose of properly.

Conclusion

3-Fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC) is a high-purity synthetic cathinone stimulant used for research into monoamine transporter mechanisms, neurotoxicity, and forensic analysis. Its distinct fluorinated structure renders it significant for studying designer stimulant pharmacology under strict laboratory controls.