Butylone

ButyloneSyn

ButyloneMetabolism

Butylone (also known as β-keto-N-methylbenzodioxolylbutanamine, βk-MBDB, or B1) is a synthetic psychoactive drug that belongs to the substituted cathinone family, which is a group of compounds related to the naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in the khat plant. It is a stimulant and entactogen drug, which means it increases energy levels and induces feelings of empathy, love, and social bonding. Butylone shares structural similarities with other synthetic cathinones, such as methylone and ethylone, and is considered part of the designer drug phenomenon that has emerged in the 21st century.

Chemistry

Butylone is a β-keto analogue of MBDB and the substituted methylenedioxyphenethylamine and substituted amphetamine classes of drugs. Its chemical formula is C₁₂H₁₅NO₃, and it has a molecular weight of 221.25 g/mol. The presence of the ketone group in the β-position of the side chain differentiates it from its close relatives such as MBDB and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

Pharmacology

The pharmacological action of butylone is primarily due to its action as a serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor and releaser, similar to other synthetic cathinones. This action leads to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in stimulant and empathogenic effects. The exact neurochemical mechanism of butylone and its full spectrum of pharmacological effects are not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research.

Effects

Users of butylone may experience a range of effects, including increased energy, euphoria, enhanced sociability, increased empathy, and altered perception of time. However, adverse effects are also reported, which can include anxiety, paranoia, tachycardia (increased heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), nausea, and in severe cases, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome.

Legal Status

The legal status of butylone varies by country, but it has been listed as a controlled substance in several countries due to concerns about its potential for abuse, dependence, and harm. In some jurisdictions, butylone is classified similarly to other synthetic cathinones and designer drugs, which has led to its prohibition.

See Also

• Cathinone
• Methylone
• Ethylone
• MDMA
• Designer drug
• Psychoactive drug
• Stimulant
• Entactogen