Chloromethcathinone

The following information was compiled in August 2024 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:

Description: Chloromethcathinone (CMC) is a novel synthetic stimulant with structural similarity to methcathinone. Chloromethcathinone exists in three isomeric forms: 2-, 3-, and 4-chloromethcathinone. The position of the chlorine was not confirmed during analysis. Chloromethcathinone was first detected in March 2024 by our laboratory and was confirmed in comparison to standard reference material.

Sample Source: NYU Langone Health (New York City, NY)

Sample Appearance: Oral fluid specimen

Pharmacology: In vitro pharmacological data available for chloromethcathinone show that this substituted cathinone is an active stimulant at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters with comparable potency to methyl-substituted counterparts (e.g., mephedrone or 4-MMC).¹

Toxicology: Chloromethcathinone has been detected in three toxicology cases to date at the CFSRE.

Drug Materials: Chloromethcathinone has not yet been identified in drug materials to date at the CFSRE.

Demographics / Geographics: Toxicology specimens were collected in New York City, New York. Chloromethcathinone was found alongside other substituted cathinones (e.g., methylmethcathinone) and traditional stimulants/hallucinogens (e.g., MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine).

Legal Status: No isomer of chloromethcathinone is explicitly scheduled in the United States; however,       3- and 4-chloromethcathinone are both controlled internationally as Schedule II substances.

Class:

Stimulant

Appearance:

Oral fluid specimen

Formula:

C10H12ClNO

MW:

197.7

[M+]:

197

[M+H]+:

198.0680

IUPAC:

1-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one

Report Date:

August 27, 2024