3-HO-PCE (3-Hydroxyeticyclidine) Product Description

Introduction

3-Hydroxyeticyclidine, commonly abbreviated as 3-HO-PCE, is a synthetic dissociative compound belonging to the arylcyclohexylamine chemical class. It is chemically classified as a hydroxy-substituted derivative of eticyclidine (PCE). The substance features a cyclohexane ring bonded to an ethylamino group and a phenyl ring substituted with a hydroxy group at the meta (3-) position. 3-HO-PCE emerged as a novel research chemical in the 2010s and is primarily used for scientific research to study dissociative pharmacology, receptor binding, and behavioral effects. It is not licensed for human consumption and has no established medical applications.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White crystalline solid with high chemical purity suitable for laboratory use.

• Purity: Research-grade substances typically demonstrate ≥ 97% purity verified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and chromatographic techniques.

• Solubility: Soluble in polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, DMSO, and dimethylformamide (DMF). Limited aqueous solubility.

• Storage Recommendations: Store in airtight, light-shielded containers in cool, dry environments approximately at 2-8°C to maintain stability.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-HO-PCE is believed to act primarily as an antagonist at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. This NMDA receptor antagonism underlies its dissociative, anesthetic, and hallucinogenic effects. Its pharmacology resembles other arylcyclohexylamine dissociatives such as phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine derivatives but with potential modifications because of the hydroxy substitution. There is ongoing research into whether 3-HO-PCE also exhibits affinity for μ-opioid receptors, akin to the related compound 3-HO-PCP.

Research Applications

3-HO-PCE serves as a valuable chemical tool in neuropharmacological research on dissociative agents, receptor selectivity, and behavioral assessments. It also aids forensic scientists in identifying emerging designer drugs and exploring their metabolism and toxicity profiles.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Compare to PCE, 3-HO-PCP, and Ketamine

3-HO-PCE is structurally closely related to eticyclidine (PCE) and hydroxy derivatives such as 3-HO-PCP but differs by substitution patterns on the phenyl ring and amine side chain. Unlike ketamine which has a ketone on the cyclohexane ring and chlorine substitution, 3-HO-PCE lacks the ketone group but contains a hydroxy group on the phenyl ring at the 3-position. Its dissociative potency and receptor affinity differ accordingly, showing nuanced pharmacodynamic profiles that enhance research into the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of dissociatives.

Advantages for Research

• Novel dissociative scaffold beneficial for dissecting NMDA receptor antagonism.

• Hydroxy substitution provides insight into functional group influence on pharmacology and metabolism.

• Useful for forensic toxicology and designer drug screening.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection is mandatory. Handling should be performed in fume hoods or well-ventilated laboratories to minimize exposure.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of all waste according to hazardous chemical protocols. Environmental contamination should be strictly avoided.

Regulatory Status

3-HO-PCE is a controlled research chemical in multiple jurisdictions and is restricted to licensed laboratory use only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is 3-HO-PCE’s mechanism of action?

• It mainly functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociative effects.

2. How does 3-HO-PCE structurally differ from ketamine?

• It lacks a ketone group and has a hydroxy group on the phenyl ring in the 3-position.

3. Is 3-HO-PCE a legal substance?

• It is regulated and authorized for scientific research only.

4. What solvents dissolve 3-HO-PCE?

• It is soluble in methanol, ethanol, DMSO, and DMF; has limited water solubility.

5. Does 3-HO-PCE have any opioid activity?

• Ongoing research evaluates opioid receptor affinity; current evidence suggests possible μ-opioid receptor interaction.

Conclusion

3-HO-PCE (3-Hydroxyeticyclidine) is a high-purity synthetic arylcyclohexylamine dissociative used for research into NMDA receptor pharmacology and hallucinogenic mechanisms. Its unique hydroxy substitution and structural relation to eticyclidine and phencyclidine make it a critical tool in neuropharmacology and forensic drug research under strict laboratory regulation.