Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 23, 2026

Pentylone

Pentylone, also known as β-ketoN-methyl-1,3-benzodioxolylpentanamine (bk-MBDP), is a stimulant developed in the 1960s. It is a substituted cathinone that has been identified in some samples of powders sold as "NRG-1", along with varying blends of other cathinone derivatives including flephedrone, MDPBP, MDPV, and 4-MePPP. It was also found in combination with 4-MePPP being sold as "NRG-3". Reports indicate side effects include paranoia, agitation, and insomnia, with effects lasting for several days at high doses.

Last revised
Jul 23, 2026
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Pentylone
Clinical data
Other namesβ-Keto-Methylbenzodioxolylpentanamine, βk-Methyl-K, βk-MBDP, methylenedioxypentedrone, 1‐(3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl)‐2‐(methylamino)pentan‐1‐one1
ATC code
  • None
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
  • (±)-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider
UNII
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC13H17NO3
Molar mass235.283 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • c2cc1OCOc1cc2C(=O)C(NC)CCC
  • InChI=1S/C13H17NO3/c1-3-4-10(14-2)13(15)9-5-6-11-12(7-9)17-8-16-11/h5-7,10,14H,3-4,8H2,1-2H3 X markN
  • Key:DFMLULIEUUXXSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N X markN
 X markNcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

Pentylone, also known as β-ketoN-methyl-1,3-benzodioxolylpentanamine (bk-MBDP), is a stimulant developed in the 1960s.3 It is a substituted cathinone that has been identified in some samples of powders sold as "NRG-1", along with varying blends of other cathinone derivatives including flephedrone, MDPBP, MDPV, and 4-MePPP. It was also found in combination with 4-MePPP being sold as "NRG-3".1 Reports indicate side effects include paranoia, agitation, and insomnia, with effects lasting for several days at high doses.4

Pharmacology

Pentylone acts as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI) and a serotonin releasing agent.5

Pentylone is banned in Canada, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom.67

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Brandt SD, Freeman S, Sumnall HR, Measham F, Cole J (September 2011). "Analysis of NRG 'legal highs' in the UK: identification and formation of novel cathinones". Drug Testing and Analysis. 3 (9): 569–575. doi:10.1002/dta.204. PMID 21960541.
  2. Anvisa (2023-07-24). "RDC Nº 804 - Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial" [Collegiate Board Resolution No. 804 - Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário Oficial da União (published 2023-07-25). Archived from the original on 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  3. GB 1085135, "Substituted phenyl-α-amino ketones.", issued 1969 
  4. Bish J (4 August 2017). "Watch Out for Pentylone, the Horrible New MDMA Additive". Vice.
  5. Simmler LD, Rickli A, Hoener MC, Liechti ME (April 2014). "Monoamine transporter and receptor interaction profiles of a new series of designer cathinones". Neuropharmacology. 79: 152–160. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.11.008. PMID 24275046. S2CID 25259854.
  6. "Cannabinoider föreslås bli klassade som hälsofarlig vara" [Cannabinoids are proposed to be classified as a health hazard]. Folkhalsomyndigheten [Public Health Agency of Sweden] (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  7. "Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones Into Schedule I". Drug Enforcement Administration. U.S. Federal Register. 7 March 2014.