3-MMC (3-Methylmethcathinone) Product Description

Introduction

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a synthetic cathinone stimulant structurally related to mephedrone (4-MMC), with a methyl group substituted at the 3-position of the phenyl ring. It is known by street names such as “Miauw 2.0” and “The 3,” and is used mainly as a research chemical for psychostimulant and neuropharmacological studies. 3-MMC acts as a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor for monoamine neurotransmitters, with stronger selectivity for dopamine and norepinephrine than serotonin. It is not approved for human use and is distributed as a high-purity powder or hydrochloride salt.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

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

• Purity: Typically ≥ 98%, confirmed by chromatographic and spectrometric techniques.

• Solubility: Soluble in phosphate-buffered saline (~10 mg/mL), ethanol (~5 mg/mL), dimethyl sulfoxide (~2.5 mg/mL), and dimethylformamide (~1 mg/mL).

• Storage Recommendations: Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at low temperatures (-20°C recommended) to preserve stability.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3-MMC functions as a potent releaser and reuptake inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine with moderate activity at serotonin transporters. It releases monoamines by interacting with their plasma membrane transporters (DAT, NET, SERT), leading to increased synaptic levels that mediate its psychostimulant effects. It binds adrenergic α1A and α2A receptors more strongly than serotonergic 5-HT receptors and acts as a low-potency partial agonist at mouse TAAR1.

Research Applications

Widely used in behavioral pharmacology and toxicology research to study stimulant effects, abuse liability, and metabolism of synthetic cathinones. It supports forensic detection and characterization of emerging psychoactive substances.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Comparison to 4-MMC and other cathinones

3-MMC differs from 4-MMC (mephedrone) by the position of the methyl group on the aromatic ring. 3-MMC shows stronger amphetamine-like stimulant properties and different monoamine transporter affinity profiles compared to 4-MMC. It has higher potency in norepinephrine release and a distinct metabolic pathway.

Advantages for Research

• Enables detailed study of positional isomer effects on cathinone pharmacology.

• Supports forensic toxicology for identification of novel psychoactive substances.

• Provides insight into monoamine transporter interactions and stimulant neurotoxicity.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Employ standard PPE including gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Handle compounds in ventilated areas to avoid exposure.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Follow hazardous waste disposal regulations. Prevent environmental contamination through proper containment.

Regulatory Status

3-MMC is a controlled substance under various jurisdictions and limited to licensed research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What neurotransmitter systems does 3-MMC affect?

• Primarily dopamine and norepinephrine release and reuptake inhibition with moderate serotonin activity.

2. What is the typical purity of 3-MMC?

• Typically ≥ 98% for research-grade material.

3. What solvents are suitable for 3-MMC?

• PBS, ethanol, DMSO, DMF, and methanol.

4. How does 3-MMC differ from mephedrone (4-MMC)?

• It has a methyl group at the 3-position instead of the 4-position, influencing pharmacological effects.

5. Is 3-MMC legal?

• It is regulated and restricted to authorized scientific research.

Conclusion

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a high-purity synthetic stimulant cathinone notable for dopamine and norepinephrine releasing properties. It is crucial for research into synthetic stimulant pharmacology, neurotoxicity, and forensic analysis of new psychoactive substances.