Butylone, also known as β-keto-N-methylbenzodioxolylbutanamine (bk-MBDB), is an entactogen, psychedelic, and stimulant of the phenethylamine chemical class. It is the β-keto analogue of MBDB.
§History
Butylone was first synthesized by Koeppe, Ludwig and Zeile which is mentioned in their 1967 paper. It remained an obscure product of academia until 2005 when it was synthesized by a chemical supply company, and has since continued to be sold as a research chemical. It has since been explored as a possible entheogen. Butylone shares the same relationship to MBDB as methylone does to MDMA ("Ecstasy"). The dosage range is not fully understood but seems to be lower than for MBDB. Formal research on this chemical was first conducted in 2009, when it was shown to be metabolised in a similar manner to related drugs like methylone.
§Synthesis
Butylone can be synthesized in a laboratory via the following route: 3,4- methylenedioxybutyrophenone dissolved in dichloromethane to bromine gives 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-2-bromobutyrophenone. This product was then dissolved in dichloromethane and added to an aqueous solution of methylamine (40%). HCl was then added. The aqueous layer was removed and made alkaline by using sodium bicarbonate. For the extraction of the amine ether was used. To get butylone a drop of ether and HCl solution was added.
§Metabolism
There are three major metabolic pathways of bk-MBDB as shown in the figure. As result of demethylenation followed by O-methylation bk-MBDB metabolises into 4-OH-3-MeO and 3-OH-4-MeO metabolites in human urine. The second pathway is a β-ketone reduction into β-ketone reduced metabolites. The third pathway is a N-dealkylation into N-dealkyl metabolites. The first two pathways occur more than pathway three. The most common metabolite is the 4-OH-3-MeO metabolite. The metabolites containing a hydroxyl-group would be excreted as their conjugates in urine.
§Uses
The compound butylone is significantly used as a recreational drug. Reports exist for a different number of methods to consume it.
§Orally
Oral use of butylone is the least damaging and intrusive method. Oral doses last long but also take longer to get started.
§Insufflation
Snorting seems to be worse when compared to taking the same dose orally.
§Intravenous
Injection in the blood stream is known. But just like intravenous use of other drugs it increases the risks.
§Effects
The effects of butylone have not been described in any scientific literature. Some drug forums report personal experiences with butylone. The experiences are similar to methylone and ethylone: euphoria, stimulation, mental sharpness and a warm safe feeling. However the doses planned to be used is exceeded most of the time. The effects last for 10-12 hours with headaches, loss of sleep and appetite afterwards.
§Drug prohibition laws
§Sweden
Sveriges riksdag added butylone to schedule I ("substances, plant materials and fungi which normally do not have medical use") as narcotics in Sweden as of Feb 1, 2010, published by Medical Products Agency in their regulation LVFS 2010:1 listed as Butylon, 1-(1,3-bensodioxol-5-yl)-2-(metylamino)butan-1-on.
§United States
Butylone is also a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of the United States.
§See also
- Methylone
- MDMA
- Buphedrone
- Eutylone
- Ethylone
- MDPBP
- Pentylone
§References
§External links
- Erowid bk-MBDB Vault
- Erowid bk-MBDB Experience Vault