3,4-DMMC (3,4-Dimethylmethcathinone) Product Description

Introduction

3,4-Dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC) is a synthetic substituted cathinone stimulant, structurally characterized by two methyl groups attached at the 3 and 4 positions of the phenyl ring relative to the methcathinone core. It is chemically related to mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) and pentedrone analogs. 3,4-DMMC has appeared in designer drug markets and research chemical contexts focused on stimulant pharmacology and neurobiology. It is intended exclusively for scientific research purposes.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or hydrochloride salt form.

• Purity: Research-grade purity is typically ≥ 97-99%, validated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), chromatography, and mass spectrometry.

• Solubility: Soluble in polar solvents including methanol, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).

• Storage Recommendations: Store in airtight, light-protected containers at low temperatures (2-8°C) to maintain chemical integrity.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

3,4-DMMC acts as a monoamine releasing agent, particularly influencing dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, and with a moderate effect on serotonin release. By reversing monoamine transporter function (DAT, NET, and to a lesser extent SERT), it elevates extracellular neurotransmitter levels, generating stimulant effects including increased mood, alertness, and empathy-like feelings.

Research Applications

Serves as a model compound in neuropharmacological studies on stimulant mechanisms, abuse potential, and toxicity. It is also studied in forensic toxicology for detection and identification in biological and seized material samples.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Comparison with 4-MMC and Pentedrone

3,4-DMMC differs from 4-MMC by having an additional methyl substitution on the phenyl ring, altering affinity and efficacy at monoamine transporters. Compared with pentedrone, 3,4-DMMC possesses distinct stimulant profiles and metabolic pathways. These differences are important in understanding the structure-activity relationships of synthetic cathinones.

Advantages for Research

• Supports detailed examination of methyl-substituent effects on transporter interactions.

• Enables forensic differentiation from closely related analogs.

• Provides insight into neurotoxicity and behavioral outcomes of substituted cathinones.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Personnel must wear gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Handling should be carried out in ventilated areas or fume hoods to reduce risks of exposure.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of chemical waste according to hazardous material regulations with precautions to avoid environmental contamination.

Regulatory Status

3,4-DMMC is regulated as a research chemical under various legislations, restricted for licensed and authorized scientific use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What neurotransmitters does 3,4-DMMC affect?

• Primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, with moderate serotonin activity.

2. What purity can be expected for research 3,4-DMMC?

• Typically ≥ 97-99% purity.

3. Which solvents dissolve 3,4-DMMC?

• Methanol, ethanol, DMSO, and phosphate-buffered saline.

4. How does 3,4-DMMC differ from 4-MMC?

• It has methyl groups at 3 and 4 positions, compared to a single one at 4.

5. Is 3,4-DMMC legal?

• It is controlled and restricted to licensed research applications.

Conclusion

3,4-Dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC) is a high-purity synthetic stimulant research chemical used to investigate monoamine transporter pharmacology and toxicology. Its structural uniqueness supports studies of stimulant mechanism and forensic identification of emerging cathinones.