5-APDB

Interactions

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

In animal drug discrimination studies, 5-APDB's effects generalize most closely to non-stimulant MDMA analogues such as MBDB and MMAI, while producing no substitution for LSD or amphetamine. In vitro studies show that 5-APDB acts as a highly selective serotonin releasing agent (SSRA), with IC50 values of 130 nM, 7,089 nM, and 3,238 nM for inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, respectively. It also has activities at serotonin receptors.

Chemistry

5-APDB, also known as 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran, is a phenethylamine, amphetamine, and benzofuran and an analogue of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

Synthesis

The chemical synthesis of 5-APDB has been described.

Analogues

In contrast to 5-APDB, 6-APDB is more balanced on the three monoamine neurotransmitters and acts more similarly to MDA and MDMA.

Methoxy-substituted analogues of 5-APDB and 6-APDB have also been made and substituted for DOM in animal tests, although they were around one tenth as potent as DOM.

History

5-APDB, along with 6-APDB, was described by David E. Nichols and colleagues at Purdue University as an MDMA analogue in 1993. Subsequently, the non-dihydrogenated benzofurans 5-APB and 6-APB emerged as novel designer drugs in 2010. Prior to this, 5-APB and 6-APB had been patented and first described by Eli Lilly and Company as serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonists for potential medical applications in 2000. 5-APB and 6-APB are often confused with 5-APDB and 6-APDB.

Society and culture

Legal status

Canada

5-APDB is a Schedule I controlled substance in Canada due phenethylamine blanket-ban language.

China

As of October 2015 5-APDB is a controlled substance in China.

United Kingdom

On June 10, 2013, 5-APDB and a number of analogues were classified as Temporary Class Drugs in the UK following an ACMD recommendation. This means that sale and import of the named substances are criminal offences and are treated as for class B drugs.

United States

5-APDB is not an explicitly controlled substance in the United States. However, it could be considered a controlled substance under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption.

References

References

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3. (February 1986). "Synthesis and evaluation of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran analogues of the hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane: drug discrimination studies in rats". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
4. (January 1991). "2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran analogues of hallucinogenic phenethylamines". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
5. (December 2020). "The psychoactive aminoalkylbenzofuran derivatives, 5-APB and 6-APB, mimic the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoamine transmission in male rats". Psychopharmacology (Berl).
6. (August 2019). "Benzo fury: A new trend in the drug misuse scene". J Appl Toxicol.
7. (1994). "Amphetamine and Its Analogs: Psychopharmacology, Toxicology, and Abuse". Academic Press.
8. (November 1993). "Synthesis and pharmacological examination of benzofuran, indan, and tetralin analogues of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)amphetamine". J Med Chem.
9. Greene, Shaun L. (2013). "Novel Psychoactive Substances". Elsevier.
10. (5 December 2025). "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act".
11. (27 September 2015). "关于印发《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法》的通知". China Food and Drug Administration.
12. (4 Jun 2013). "Temporary class drug order report on 5-6APB and NBOMe compounds". UK Home Office.
13. (4 Jun 2013). "'NBOMe' and 'Benzofury' banned". UK Home Office.
14. (January 2026). "Orange Book: List of Controlled Substances and Regulated Chemicals (January 2026)". U.S. [[Department of Justice]]: [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA): Diversion Control Division.