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Details

Stereochemistry RACEMIC
Molecular Formula C18H23N5O2
Molecular Weight 341.4075
Optical Activity ( + / - )
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 1
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of FENETHYLLINE

SMILES

CC(CC1=CC=CC=C1)NCCN2C=NC3=C2C(=O)N(C)C(=O)N3C

InChI

InChIKey=NMCHYWGKBADVMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C18H23N5O2/c1-13(11-14-7-5-4-6-8-14)19-9-10-23-12-20-16-15(23)17(24)22(3)18(25)21(16)2/h4-8,12-13,19H,9-11H2,1-3H3

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C18H23N5O2
Molecular Weight 341.4075
Charge 0
Count
MOL RATIO 1 MOL RATIO (average)
Stereochemistry RACEMIC
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 1
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity ( + / - )

Description

Fenethylline (generic name Captagon) is a codrug of amphetamine and theophylline. In the fenetylline molecule, theophylline is covalently linked with amphetamine via an alkyl chain. It was formerly used to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression, but its use has been banned because of the potential for abuse. Amphetamine, an agonist for trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) with enhancing dopamine signaling (an increase of irritability, aggression, etc.), is the main cause of Captagon addiction. Theophylline, an antagonist that blocks adenosine receptors (e.g. A2aR) in the brain responsible for restlessness and painlessness, may attenuate the behavioral sensitization caused by amphetamine. Fenethylline is included in a list of compounds to be considered by a World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee in April 1985 for possible international scheduling under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971. Fenethylline re-emerged because of its widespread abuse by Middle Eastern young adults. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State to enhance what they consider desirable characteristics - aggressiveness, alertness, and fearlessness - in their recruits, promote it.

CNS Activity

Originator

Approval Year

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency

PubMed

Substance Class Chemical
Record UNII
YZ0N7VL5R3
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version