2-Methoxyqualone
The following information was compiled in April 2026 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:
Description: 2-Methoxyqualone is a quinazolinone derivative structurally similar to methaqualone (also referred to as “Quaalude”, “Sopor”, and “Mandrax”). 2-Methoxyqualone was first identified in a tablet from China in 2022.1 No published data exist at this time regarding the pharmacological effects or potency of 2-methoxyqualone; however, it is hypothesized to produce sedative-hypnotic effects similar to methaqualone.2 Methaqualone is a sedative and analgesic drug patented in 1962 and prescribed in the 1970’s for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and muscle stiffening and quickly gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its central nervous system depressant effects, leading to a global manufacturing ban in 1982.1,3 2-Methoxyqualone has been detected in two drug materials and has not yet been identified in toxicology specimens to date at the CFSRE. Drug materials originated from Pennsylvania (tablet) and California (white powder). 2-Methoxyqualone was identified as the sole component in both specimens. 2-Methoxyqualone is not currently scheduled in the United States.
- Class:
- Miscellaneous
- Appearance:
- Drug Material
- Formula:
- C16H14N2O2
- MW:
- 266.3
- [M+]:
- 266
- [M+H]+:
- 267.1128
- IUPAC:
- 3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-quinazolinone
- Report Date:
- April 9, 2026
