6-APDB

Interactions

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

In animal drug discrimination studies, 6-APDB fully substitutes for MBDB and MMAI but not for amphetamine or LSD. In vitro, 6-APDB has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine with IC50 values of 322 nM, 1,997 nM, and 980 nM, respectively. These values are very similar to those of MDA, but with those for the catecholamines slightly lower in comparison, perhaps more similarly to MDMA. Though 6-APDB does not substitute for amphetamine in rats at the doses used in referenced study, based on its in vitro profile it can be suggested that it may have amphetamine-like effects at higher doses. It also has activities at serotonin receptors.

In subsequent animal studies, 6-APDB produced robust hyperlocomotion and, in drug discrimination tests, fully substituted for MDMA, partially substituted for DOM and cocaine, and failed to substitute for methamphetamine.

Chemistry

6-APDB, also known as 6-(2-aminopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, is a phenethylamine, amphetamine, and dihydrobenzofuran and an analogue of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

Synthesis

The chemical synthesis of 6-APDB has been described.

Analogues

In contrast to 6-APDB, 5-APDB is highly selective for serotonin.

The unsaturated benzofuran derivative 6-APB, or 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran is also known, but the difference in pharmacological effects between 6-APB and 6-APDB is unclear.

History

6-APDB, along with 5-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

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

United Kingdom

6-APDB is a class B drug in the United Kingdom since June 10, 2013. It is banned by a blanket law on benzofurans and related compounds.

United States

6-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

1. (November 1993). "Synthesis and pharmacological examination of benzofuran, indan, and tetralin analogues of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)amphetamine". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
2. (July 2015). "Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans". Br J Pharmacol.
3. (November 2017). "Discriminative stimulus and locomotor effects of para-substituted and benzofuran analogs of amphetamine". Drug Alcohol Depend.
4. (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).
5. (August 2019). "Benzo fury: A new trend in the drug misuse scene". J Appl Toxicol.
6. (1994). "Amphetamine and Its Analogs: Psychopharmacology, Toxicology, and Abuse". Academic Press.
7. (November 1993). "Synthesis and pharmacological examination of benzofuran, indan, and tetralin analogues of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)amphetamine". J Med Chem.
8. Greene, Shaun L. (2013). "Novel Psychoactive Substances". Elsevier.
9. (5 December 2025). "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act".
10. UK Home Office. (2014-03-05). "The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014". UK Government.
11. (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.