4-CEC crystal

Description

Chemical Data :
IUPAC: 1-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-2-ethylamino-propan-1-one
CAS: 777666-01-2
Molecular Weight: 211.08
Molecular Formula: C11H14ClND

4′-Chloroethcathinone which goes by the abbreviation 4-CEC is a chemical entity belonging to the substituted cathinone family of stimulants. Unlike many of its contemporary substituted cathinones there exists some scientific data on this chemical. In the 1960s 4-CEC was being investigated by a team of chemists at the University of London as a potential drug candidate which could be used as an anorectic. Indeed 4- CEC has a close structural relationship to diethylpropion (Amfepramone) which is sometimes prescribed in the short term management of obesity.

4-CEC has the formal and systematic IUPAC name 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(ethylamino)-1-propanone, monohydrochloride. The compound has a relative molar mass of 211.7 grams and is a solid at RTP. 4-CEC melts at 77.9 oC.

It belongs to the family of compounds known as substituted cathinones. The distinguishing features of this chemical family are a phenethylamine backbone along with a ketone at the beta carbon and an alkyl substituent at the alpha carbon. 4 CEC has these features. A methyl group is substituted at the alpha position and the nitrogen forms a secondary amine group with an ethyl substituent.

A chlorine atom is substituted to the benzene ring at the para position. Addition of the heavy and electronegative chlorine atom at the para position should have a number of effects on the compound. It will distort the cloud of resonance electrons having an impact on the localisation of electrostatic charge throughout the molecule.

Not only will this modify its binding for better or worse it will also reduce the polarity of the carbonyl at the beta position making the molecule less reactive and potentially increasing half life in the body. Halogenation also affects molar mass, biological availability, lipophilicity and toxicity.

4-CEC bears a structural similarity to cathinones 4-MEC and 4-MMC. These chemicals are known stimulants. 4 MMC in particular was highly popular at the end of the last decade being sold online and in headshops in the UK as “Meow Meow” and more commonly as “Mephedrone”. Its usage was so widespread that it even attracted significant attention in the mainstream media. Its popularity grew at a time of decreasing quality and availability of the party drug MDMA also known as ecstacy.

Mephedrone was seen by many as a cheap and effective alternative. It produces feelings of euphoria and stimulation analogous to traditional psychoactives cocaine and MDMA. Ban on the sale of 4-MMC has lead to production of many similar compounds by clandestine laboratories in China in the hope of producing a chemical that could sell as well. 4-CEC belongs to this newer generation of cathinones.

Scientific data shows that 4-CEC is metabolised by de-ethylation and reduction. It is excreted in these forms and unchanged in the urine.

Toxicological data does not exist for short or long term use of this compound.

4-CEC is not fit for human or animal consumption.

Unverifiable reports found online claim 4-CEC has subjective effects similar to, but weaker than, 4- MMC and 4-MEC. This includes feelings of alertness, wakefulness and mild stimulation.