3,4-Methylenedioxycathinone

3,4-Methylenedioxycathinone (MDC) is an entactogen and stimulant drug belonging to the phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone families. It is structurally related to methylone (βk-MDMA or MDMC) and is the β-keto analogue of MDA. MDC acts as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA). Unlike MDA and MDMA, it shows no activity at serotonin 5-HT2 receptors but has weaker affinity for the rodent trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). It was patented as an antidepressant and antiparkinsonian agent in 1996 by Peyton Jacob III and Alexander Shulgin. However, its chemical instability due to rapid dimerization, forming biologically inactive compounds, has limited its prevalence.

Other names

β-keto-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamineβ-keto-MDAβk-MDA