Alpha-D2PV (hydrochloride) — formally known as 1,2-diphenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethanone hydrochloride — is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) belonging to the synthetic cathinone class, often referred to as “bath salts” . This compound has gained significant attention in forensic and pharmacological research due to its unique structural features: the presence of a phenyl group on the α-carbon atom, distinguishing it from other pyrrolidine-containing cathinones such as α-PVP (“flakka”) and MDPV .
This product is supplied as a high-purity crystalline powder, serving as an analytical reference standard for research applications including mass spectral analysis, structural characterization, and in vitro pharmacological studies.
Chemical Identity
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 1,2-Diphenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethanone hydrochloride hemihydrate |
| CAS Number | 22311-88-2 |
| UNII | 5EB3HC2KW8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₁₉NO · HCl · 0.5H₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 248.1 g/mol (free base) |
| Form | Crystalline powder |
| Synonyms | α-D2PV, α-Pyrrolidino-2-phenylacetophenone, 1-(2-Oxo-1,2-diphenylethyl)pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride |
Research & Forensic Applications
Alpha-D2PV has been identified in seized drug samples and is the subject of active pharmacological research . Key research applications include:
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Forensic Drug Analysis: Serves as a reference standard for identifying α-D2PV in seized samples using GC-EI-MS, ATR-FTIR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound produces characteristic fragmentation ions at m/z 160 (1-benzylidenepyrrolidinium, base peak) and m/z 105 (benzoylium) .
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Pharmacological Mechanism Studies: Recent research demonstrates that α-D2PV is a potent dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NE) uptake inhibitor with minimal activity at the serotonin transporter (SERT), similar to other pyrrolidine-containing cathinones .
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Abuse Liability Research: In vivo studies using rodent models have shown that α-D2PV elicits dose-dependent hyperlocomotion, rewarding effects, and increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. Self-administration experiments confirm its high reinforcing efficacy, indicating significant abuse potential .
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Structural Characterization: X-ray crystallography reveals interesting structural features including hydrogen bonding mediated by chloride counter-anions, π-π stacking interactions between phenyl rings, and edge-to-π interactions .
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥98% (analytical standard grade) |
| Storage Conditions | -20°C (recommended for long-term stability) |
| Physical Appearance | Off-white to colorless crystalline powder |
| Analytical Techniques | GC-MS, FTIR, X-ray diffraction validated |
Mass Spectral Data
For analytical method development, α-D2PV produces a characteristic electron ionization (EI) mass spectrum with the following major fragments :
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Base peak: m/z 160 (1-benzylidenepyrrolidinium)
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Major fragments: m/z 105 (benzoylium), m/z 91 (tropylium), m/z 77 (phenylium)
Regulatory Status
Alpha-D2PV is recognized as a synthetic cathinone of concern by international forensic and public health authorities. It has been detected in the illicit drug market and is subject to monitoring by agencies including the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) . Researchers should verify the regulatory status of this compound in their jurisdiction prior to procurement.
Important Safety Notice
This product is strictly intended for research and forensic applications only. It is:
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NOT for human or veterinary use
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NOT an FDA-approved drug or medicine
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NOT for therapeutic, diagnostic, or in vivo applications in humans
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For laboratory use only by qualified researchers
Researchers handling this compound must observe appropriate laboratory safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper chemical hygiene practices.
Citations
This product has been characterized in peer-reviewed literature, including:
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Wood, M.R., et al. (2024). Crystal structure and analytical profile of α-D2PV. Acta Crystallographica Section C: Structural Chemistry, 80, 91-97
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Nadal-Gratacós, N., et al. (2025). Unveiling the potential abuse liability of α-D2PV. Neuropharmacology, 272, 110425

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