3-FPM (3-Fluorophenmetrazine) Product Description

Introduction

3-Fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM) is a synthetic stimulant and a fluorinated analog of phenmetrazine, belonging to the phenylmorpholine chemical class. It features a fluorine atom substituted at the third position of the phenyl ring and contains two chiral centers, resulting in four possible stereoisomers, including cis- and trans-racemates. Sold primarily as a research chemical, 3-FPM is used extensively in controlled laboratory settings for the investigation of stimulant pharmacology and neurochemical activity. It is commonly encountered in powder or hydrochloride salt form and carries no authorized medical applications.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or hydrochloride salt with high purity.

• Purity: Typically ≥ 98%, confirmed by comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS).

• Solubility: Soluble in common organic solvents like ethanol, methanol, DMSO; limited aqueous solubility.

• Storage Recommendations: Store in airtight, light-protected containers under cool and dry conditions, ideally refrigerated at 2-8°C, to prevent degradation and preserve chemical integrity.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-FPM acts predominantly as a dopamine and norepinephrine releasing agent with EC50 values around 30 nM and 43 nM for each neurotransmitter, respectively. It exhibits negligible activity at serotonin release with an EC50 near 2558 nM. It inhibits uptake via dopamine and norepinephrine transporters with high potency comparable to cocaine but shows minimal inhibition of serotonin transporters. These mechanisms facilitate the release of catecholamines from cytosolic stores into the synaptic cleft, resulting in stimulant effects such as increased alertness, euphoria, and locomotor activity.

Research Applications

3-FPM is used in neuropharmacological research exploring catecholamine release, stimulant behavioral effects, and the pharmacokinetics of fluorinated phenylmorpholine analogs. It also serves as a reference compound in forensic toxicology and analytical method development for novel psychoactive substance detection. Its stereoisomeric complexity aids in studying stereochemical effects on biological activity.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Comparison to 2-FPM and 4-FPM

3-FPM is one of three fluorophenmetrazine positional isomers differing by fluorine substitution position on the phenyl ring. Compared to 2-FPM and 4-FPM, 3-FPM has intermediate potency at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters with distinct uptake inhibition profiles. It shows lower serotonergic activity relative to the 4-FPM isomer. These differences modify the stimulant and psychostimulant profile, providing valuable data for structure-activity relationship studies.

Advantages for Research

• High purity and well-characterized stereoisomers facilitate detailed biochemical and behavioral studies.

• Unique positional fluorination supports investigation of substituent effects on transporter affinity and pharmacodynamics.

• Enables comprehensive forensic and toxicological analysis of emerging synthetic stimulants.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Users must wear proper personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coats, and safety eyewear. Work within well-ventilated chemical fume hoods to prevent exposure by inhalation or dermal contact.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Contaminated materials and chemical residues must be disposed in accordance with hazardous waste protocols. Prevent environmental release by employing containment and neutralization procedures.

Regulatory Status

3-FPM is controlled or regulated as a research chemical under various national regulations and is restricted to licensed laboratories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary action of 3-FPM?

• It acts as a potent dopamine and norepinephrine releasing agent with minimal serotonin activity.

2. What is the stereochemistry of 3-FPM?

• It has two chiral centers, resulting in four stereoisomers including cis- and trans-racemates.

3. How does 3-FPM differ from its positional isomers?

• The position of fluorine affects its potency and selectivity for monoamine transporters.

4. What solvents dissolve 3-FPM?

• Ethanol, methanol, DMSO, with limited aqueous solubility.

5. Is 3-FPM legal?

• It is regulated and limited to scientific research use in many regions.

Conclusion

3-Fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM) is a fluorinated phenylmorpholine stimulant of high research value, primarily targeting dopamine and norepinephrine systems. Its stereochemical complexity and high purity make it crucial for neuropharmacological, behavioral, and forensic research directed at emerging synthetic stimulants.