3-FEA (3-Fluoroethamphetamine) Product Description

Introduction

3-Fluoroethamphetamine (3-FEA) is a synthetic stimulant from the substituted amphetamine family, characterized by the presence of a fluorine atom at the 3-position on the phenyl ring and an ethyl group on the amine nitrogen. It is structurally related to ethylamphetamine and other fluorinated amphetamines such as 2-FA and 4-FA. 3-FEA is primarily used in scientific research for investigating its pharmacological profile, stimulant effects, and neurochemical actions. It is supplied as a high-purity powder or hydrochloride salt exclusively for research purposes.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or hydrochloride salt.

• Purity: ≥ 98% purity, verified via chromatographic and spectrometric techniques.

• Solubility: Soluble in water (hydrochloride salt), ethanol, methanol, DMSO, and DMF.

• Storage Recommendations: Store in airtight containers under cool, dark, and dry conditions, preferably refrigerated at 2-8°C to preserve stability.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-FEA acts chiefly as a monoamine releaser with selectivity for dopamine and norepinephrine over serotonin. It serves as a substrate for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) transporters, reversing transporter direction to elevate extracellular neurotransmitter levels. It also disrupts vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) functions and inhibits monoamine oxidase activity, further increasing synaptic monoamine concentrations, resulting in stimulant pharmacological effects. Its fluorination enhances lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier permeability.

Research Applications

Recapitulates stimulant pharmacology in preclinical and behavioral studies, supporting investigations on transporter selectivity, stimulation potency, and abuse liabilities. It also facilitates analytical method development for detecting novel psychoactive substances and metabolic profiling.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Compare to 2-FA, 4-FA, and Ethylamphetamine

3-FEA displays similar monoaminergic profiles to 2-FA and 4-FA but with distinct transporter selectivity due to fluorine position. Compared with ethylamphetamine, it exhibits enhanced potency and increased dopamine/norepinephrine release selectivity. Its fluorinated structure confers improved pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability.

Advantages for Research

• Enables detailed transporter and receptor interaction studies with high selectivity.

• Facilitates mechanistic exploration of fluorination on stimulant drug activity.

• Serves as a benchmark for forensic and toxicological studies of designer stimulant drugs.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Use appropriate PPE, including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Conduct handling in ventilated laboratories or fume hoods to minimize exposure risks.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of according to hazardous chemical waste protocols. Prevent environmental contamination through proper containment.

Regulatory Status

3-FEA is a regulated research chemical, restricted to licensed scientific use in most regions due to its stimulant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary mechanism of action of 3-FEA?

• It acts as a monoamine releaser, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine.

2. What is the typical purity of 3-FEA for research?

• Usually ≥ 98% purity.

3. How soluble is 3-FEA?

• Soluble in water (salt form), ethanol, methanol, DMSO.

4. How does 3-FEA differ from 4-FA?

• The fluorine position is different, affecting transporter selectivity and potency.

5. Is 3-FEA legal?

• It is regulated and only permitted for use in licensed research facilities.

Conclusion

3-Fluoroethamphetamine (3-FEA) is a high-purity fluorinated amphetamine derivative with potent dopamine and norepinephrine releasing activity. It serves as an important compound for stimulant mechanism research and forensic analysis in controlled clinical and laboratory settings.