Mephedrone, also known as 4 methylmethcathinoe is within the amphetamine substances belonging to the cathiones. Compared to an amphetamine, a cathione has an additional Carbonyl group. Based on a cathinon mepedrone's amine group is methylated.. Moreover the benzene is methylated in para position. Since mephedrone is a derivate its effects can be described and compared by its class. Amphetamines are psychoactive drugs causing stimultan effects such as a stronger awareness of emotions. Other related substances are medications like ritaline or drugs like Crystal Meth. Their euphorigenic effect is based on a risen release of dopamine and serotonine. Causing a rised attantion and a higher self-esteem. as well as other effects. Compared to amphetamines the effect of methamphetamies is stronger as it can more easily pass the blood-brain-barrier and is therefore higher concentrated within the brain. Its effects can last up to 20 hours. This is more than the ones of amphetamines which usually lasts for 6 to 8 hours.

Mephedrone is a research chemical meaning that metabolism is not finally cleared yet. Caused by its not-so-long-ago appearence. Also there a no formal published studies so most of its effects are reports of experiences by users. Intended effects are euphoria, stimulation, an elevated mood improved mental function as well as mild sexual stimulation. Just to mention a few. Side effects are changes in body temperature, increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, anxiety, loss of appetite and discolouration of extremities just to mention a few. By higher doses there can also be paranoia and hallucinations. After the effect there can be depressions and loss of short term memory. Mephedrone is consumed orally or nasal. If taken nasal its usual dose is between 25 and 75 mg. Its effect starts within a few minutes and lasts up to 45 min. Taken by nose there can be nose bleeding and nose burning. Taken orally its usual dose varies between 125 and 250 mg. Often it is taken wrapped in cigarette paper. Effects occur up to 2 hours after taking and can last up to 5 hours. Mephedrone is mostly sold as a chlorine salt. For Synthesis simple components are chosen. First propionic acid is transformed into the acidhalide by using SOCl2. Afterwards it is used in an Friedel-Crafts acylation with Toluol at presence of AlCl3. The Methylation conducts para position. We now have 4-methylpropiophenone the following reaction can be seen in the following picture.

First synthesized in 1929 by Saem de Burnaga Sanchez and published in the Bulletin de la Société Chimique de France, under the name "toluyl-alpha-monomethylaminoethylcetone". But it remained an academic compound. It was re-discovered and a synthesis was published 2003 on a famous legal drug alternative site. In 2004 is was supposed to be a component in the drug "hagigat" sold legally in Israel. After banning cathinones there it was modified and mephedrone was first sold by the Israeli company Neorganics. Israel was the first country to ban Mephedron in 2008. Also several national authorities reported it to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addictions. In January 2010 Germany banned mephedrone. In December 2010 it was banned by the Eu. Right now Mephedrone is banned in most of the countries of the World. In Germany trade, posses and dispensing without permission is forbidden. Sources: http://www.drogen-info-berlin.de/htm/mephedrone.html http://www.pharmawiki.ch/wiki/index.php?wiki=Mephedron http://drugscouts.de/de/lexikon/mephedron http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index132196EN.html http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephedrone