α-PCYP — formally known as α-Pyrrolidinocyclohexanophenone, 2-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethanone, or alpha-PCyP — is a novel synthetic cathinone belonging to the pyrrolidine-substituted class . This research chemical has emerged as a compound of significant interest in forensic and pharmacological research due to its distinctive structural features and demonstrated potency.
α-PCYP features a cyclohexyl ring substitution on the α-carbon, a structural modification that distinguishes it from other pyrrolidine-containing cathinones. In a 2015 structure-activity relationship study, α-PCYP was found to be approximately twice as potent as α-PVP (commonly known as “Flakka”) as an inhibitor of the dopamine transporter .
This product is supplied as a high-purity crystalline solid, serving as an analytical reference standard for research applications including mass spectral analysis, structural characterization, method development, and in vitro pharmacological studies.
Chemical Identity
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 2-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethanone |
| CAS Number | 1803168-16-2 (HCl salt); 1803168-11-7 (free base) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₂₅NO |
| Molecular Weight | 271.4 g/mol (free base) |
| Form | Crystalline solid |
| Physical Appearance | White solid material |
| Synonyms | α-PCYP, alpha-PCYP, α-Pyrrolidinocyclohexanophenone, 2-Cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethan-1-one, alpha-PCyP |
Structural Characteristics
α-PCYP belongs to the pyrrolidine-substituted cathinone family, characterized by:
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Cyclohexyl ring substitution: A six-membered cyclohexyl ring attached to the α-carbon, distinguishing it from α-PVP (which has a propyl chain) and α-PHP (which has a hexyl chain)
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Pyrrolidine ring: A five-membered nitrogen-containing ring at the amine position, common among high-potency cathinones
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β-keto moiety: A ketone group at the β-position characteristic of the cathinone class
This unique structural configuration—specifically the α-cyclohexyl substitution—has been shown in peer-reviewed research to produce enhanced potency at the dopamine transporter compared to other pyrrolidine cathinones .
Potency and Pharmacology
According to a landmark 2015 study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, researchers systematically modified the α-substituent of α-PVP to evaluate structure-activity relationships. The findings revealed:
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α-cyclopentyl derivative: Demonstrated potency approximately equivalent to α-PVP at the dopamine transporter
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α-cyclohexyl derivative (α-PCYP): Was approximately twice as potent as α-PVP as a dopamine transporter inhibitor
This enhanced potency profile positions α-PCYP among the more potent pyrrolidine-substituted cathinones identified to date. The compound acts primarily as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with minimal activity at the serotonin transporter—a profile associated with high abuse potential .
Research & Forensic Applications
α-PCYP has been identified in seized drug samples and is the subject of active forensic and pharmacological research. Key research applications include:
Forensic Drug Analysis
Serves as a reference standard for identifying α-PCYP in seized samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy . The compound produces characteristic fragmentation patterns useful for definitive identification and differentiation from isomeric substances.
Analytical Method Development
Enables forensic laboratories to develop and validate detection methods for pyrrolidine-substituted cathinones in seized materials and biological matrices. α-PCYP is often included in synthetic cathinone screening panels for comprehensive NPS identification.
Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Research
Serves as a valuable reference standard for SAR studies investigating the influence of α-substituent modifications on transporter binding affinity, selectivity, and functional activity. The α-cyclohexyl substitution pattern provides important insights into the structural determinants of potency .
Metabolite Identification
Functions as a reference standard for identifying phase I and phase II metabolites in hepatocyte or microsome studies, supporting toxicological research and forensic interpretation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥98% (analytical standard grade) |
| Storage Conditions | -20°C (recommended for long-term stability) |
| Physical Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO, methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile |
| Stability | Stable for at least 12 months when stored desiccated at -20°C |
Analytical Data Summary
For analytical method development, α-PCYP produces characteristic analytical signatures:
| Technique | Key Features |
|---|---|
| GC-MS (EI) | Molecular ion [M⁺] at m/z 271; characteristic pyrrolidine fragment ions |
| HRMS (ESI) | [M+H]⁺ at m/z 272.2009 |
| FTIR | Characteristic absorptions: C=O stretch (~1680 cm⁻¹), cyclohexyl C-H stretches, pyrrolidine ring vibrations |
| NMR | Distinct cyclohexyl proton signals distinguishing it from alkyl-substituted analogs |
Regulatory Status
α-PCYP is recognized as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) of concern by international forensic and public health authorities. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction:
| Jurisdiction | Status |
|---|---|
| Canada | Schedule I |
| Germany | NpSG (Industrial and scientific use only) |
| United Kingdom | Controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act |
| United States | Currently unscheduled at the federal level, though structurally similar compounds (α-PVP, α-PHP) are Schedule I |
Researchers should verify the regulatory status of this compound in their jurisdiction prior to procurement, as it may be classified as a controlled substance in many countries.
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 (PPE), proper chemical hygiene practices, and adherence to institutional safety guidelines. A safety data sheet (SDS) is available upon request.
Related Analytical Standards
For comprehensive synthetic cathinone analysis, α-PCYP is often used alongside related reference standards including:
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α-PVP (α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone) — Propyl chain analog
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α-PHP (α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone) — Hexyl chain analog
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α-PBP (α-Pyrrolidinobutiophenone) — Butyl chain analog
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α-PiHP (α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone) — Branched hexyl analog
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MDPV (3′,4′-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone)
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