ATC code none PubChem CID 11398 UNII 6XL7O3V13L Density 930 kg/m³ | CAS Number 582-22-9 ChemSpider 10920 Molar mass 135.21 g/mol Formula C9H13N | |
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Legal status In general: uncontrolled Boiling point 80 °C (176 °F) (at 10 mm Hg) | ||
β-Methylphenethylamine (β-Me-PEA, BMPEA), or 1-amino-2-phenylpropane, is an organic compound of the phenethylamine class, and a positional isomer of the drug amphetamine, with which it shares some properties. In particular, both amphetamine and β-methylphenethylamine are human TAAR1 agonists. In appearance, it is a colorless or yellowish liquid.
Contents
Relatively little information has been published about this substance. Hartung and Munch reported that it had good antihypotensive (pressor) activity in experimental animals, and that it was orally active. The MLD (minimum lethal dose) for the HCl salt was given as 500 mg/kg (rat, s.c.) and 50 mg/kg (rabbit, i.v.).
A study by Graham and co-workers at the Upjohn Co., comparing a large number of β-methylphenethylamines substituted on the benzene ring showed that β-methylphenethylamine itself had 1/700 x the pressor activity of epinephrine, corresponding to ~ 1/3 the potency of amphetamine. The β-methyl compound also had ~ 2 x the broncho-dilating power of amphetamine (as measured using the isolated rabbit lung), and an LD50 of 50 mg/kg (rat, i.v.).
Synthesis
β-Methylphenethylamine can be made by the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-phenylpropionitrile with Pd/C in pure anhydrous ethanol containing 3 equivalents of HCl; the finished product is extracted as the HCl salt, m.p. 123-124°.
Presence
In 2015, 52% of supplements labeled as containing Acacia rigidula were found to contain BMPEA. Consumers following recommended maximum daily servings would consume a maximum of 94 mg of BMPEA per day. In 2012, however, the FDA determined that BMPEA was not naturally present in Acacia rigidula leaves. This is currently in dispute by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, who claim to have a process of extracting BMPEA from acacia rigidula and have submitted expert witness testimony to the FDA for review.
Safety
β-Methylphenethylamine was associated with a case of cerebral hemorrhage in a Swedish athlete and first time user. The female victim with no medical history had taken a Swedish food supplement with 290 mg β-methylphenethylamine per serving before commencing her usual exercises. After about 30 minutes the first symptoms appeared. The presence of the active ingredient was not declared on the label.