Alpha-PiHpP
The following information was compiled in June 2025 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:
Description: Alpha-PiHpP (also known as iso-PV8) is a synthetic stimulant with structural similarity to other known synthetic cathinones (e.g., alpha-PiHP, alpha-PHP). Alpha-PiHpP was first identified in China in late 2024 and reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).1 Alpha-PiHpP was first identified by our laboratory in January 2025 and confirmed after acquiring standard reference material.
Sample Source: Florida 4th District Chief Medical Examiner’s Office (Jacksonville, FL)
Sample Appearance: Blood specimen
Pharmacology: The activity and potency of alpha-PiHpP have not been explicitly studied; however, due to structural similarity to other synthetic cathinones such as alpha-PiHP, it is assumed that alpha-PiHpP selectively binds to monoamine transporters to inhibit dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake.2
Toxicology: Alpha-PiHpP has been detected in one toxicology case to date at the CFSRE.
Drug Materials: Alpha-PiHpP has not been detected in drug materials to date at the CFSRE.
Demographics / Geographics: The toxicology specimen originated from Jacksonville, FL, and alpha-PiHpP was found alongside other synthetic cathinones (e.g., 4F-alpha-PHP, alpha-PiHP, MD-PiHP, and N-isopropyl butylone), traditional stimulants (e.g., cocaine and methamphetamine), and fentanyl.
Legal Status: Alpha-PiHpP is not currently a scheduled substance in the United States.
- Class:
- Stimulant
- Appearance:
- Blood
- Formula:
- C17H25NO
- MW:
- 259.4
- [M+]:
- 259
- [M+H]+:
- 260.2009
- IUPAC:
- 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-hexan-1-one
- Report Date:
- June 23, 2025
