3-FA (3-Fluoroamphetamine) Product Description

Introduction

3-Fluoroamphetamine (3-FA), also known as PAL-353, is a synthetic stimulant from the amphetamine family characterized by the substitution of a fluorine atom at the 3-position of the phenyl ring. It belongs to the class of substituted amphetamines and is structurally similar to other fluorinated amphetamines such as 4-FA and 2-FA. 3-FA is mainly used in scientific research to study its stimulant effects, neuropharmacology, and neurotransmitter interactions. It is typically supplied as a high-purity powder or hydrochloride salt intended exclusively for laboratory use.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White to beige crystalline powder or hydrochloride salt.

• Purity: Typically ≥ 98% pure, validated by chromatographic and spectrometric methods.

• Solubility: Soluble in water (~20 mg/mL for hydrochloride salt), ethanol, methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and dimethylformamide (DMF).

• Storage Recommendations: Store under refrigeration between 2°C to 8°C in airtight containers, shielded from light and moisture to maintain stability.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-FA acts as a substrate-based releaser of monoamine neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), with a higher selectivity for these compared to serotonin (5-HT). It enters presynaptic neurons via dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) transporters, promoting neurotransmitter release by reversing transporter function and inhibiting reuptake. 3-FA also interferes with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and monoamine oxidase activity, elevating synaptic monoamine levels leading to stimulant effects such as increased locomotion and alertness.

Research Applications

3-FA is utilized in neuropharmacological and behavioral research to investigate stimulant potential, mechanisms of monoaminergic neurotransmission, and abuse liability. It also serves as a useful research chemical for studying structure-activity relationships within fluorinated amphetamines and for developing analytical methods for forensic toxicology.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

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

3-FA differs from its positional isomers 2-FA and 4-FA by fluorine substitution site, influencing its pharmacological selectivity and potency. Compared with amphetamine, 3-FA demonstrates altered monoaminergic activity and possibly increased potency, while showing a similar half-life (~90 minutes in rodents). Its profile includes greater dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity relative to serotonergic release compared to 4-FA.

Advantages for Research

• High selectivity for dopamine and norepinephrine transporters aids focused research on stimulant mechanisms.

• Fluorine substitution increases blood-brain barrier permeability and metabolic stability.

• Valuable as a comparator in studies of psychoactive and designer stimulant compounds.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Handle in a well-ventilated laboratory or fume hood to minimize inhalation and dermal absorption risks.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste according to institutional and governmental regulations. Prevent environmental contamination with proper containment.

Regulatory Status

3-FA is regulated as a research chemical in many jurisdictions and restricted to authorized scientific use only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What receptors and transporters does 3-FA primarily affect?

• Primarily dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) with some activity at serotonin transporter (SERT).

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

• Typically ≥ 98% pure.

3. How soluble is 3-FA?

• It is soluble in water (salt forms), ethanol, methanol, DMSO, and DMF.

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

• 3-FA has a fluorine at the 3-position, leading to greater dopamine and norepinephrine selectivity than 4-FA.

5. Is 3-FA legal?

• It is regulated and generally restricted to licensed research entities.

Conclusion

3-Fluoroamphetamine is a potent fluorinated amphetamine stimulant primarily targeting dopamine and norepinephrine systems. This compound is crucial for researching stimulant mechanisms, psychoactive chemistry, and forensic detection of designer drugs, offered in high-purity form for strict laboratory applications.