N-Isopropyl Butylone

The following information was compiled in September 2024 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:

Description: N-Isopropyl butylone is a novel synthetic stimulant and substituted cathinone bearing structural similarity to other beta-keto methylenedioxyamphetamines (noted by the suffix “-ylone”). N-Isopropyl butylone is one of many structural isomers with the chemical formula C₁₄H₁₉NO₃ (e.g., N-ethyl pentylone, N,N-dimethylpentylone, N-propyl butylone). N-Isopropyl butylone was first identified in August 2024 in our laboratory. Confirmation was achieved using a specialized chromatographic method with analysis of standard reference materials for N-Isopropyl butylone and its isomers.

Sample Source: NMS Labs – Forensic Chemistry (Willow Grove, PA)

Sample Appearance: Off-white crystalline material

Pharmacology: The activity and potency of N-isopropyl butylone are unknown. Based on the structural similarity to other substituted cathinones (e.g., N-ethyl pentylone, eutylone), N-isopropyl butylone is hypothesized to be a potent inhibitor for the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin.¹

Toxicology: Toxicology cases that screened positive for N-Isopropyl butylone (or an isomer) are currently pending confirmatory analysis at the CFSRE.

Drug Materials: N-Isopropyl butylone has been detected in one drug material to date at the CFSRE.

Demographics / Geographics: The drug material positive for N-isopropyl butylone originated from the state of Georgia. N-Isopropyl butylone was identified alongside methamphetamine.

Legal Status: N-Isopropyl butylone is not explicitly scheduled in the United States. N-Isopropyl butylone may be considered a positional isomer of N-ethyl pentylone, a Schedule I drug (21 CFR 1308).

Class:

Stimulant

Appearance:

Off-white crystalline material

Formula:

C14H19NO3

MW:

249.3

[M+]:

249

[M+H]+:

250.1438

IUPAC:

1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(isopropylamino)butan-1-one

Report Date:

September 4, 2024