Product Overview

3-MEC Powder (3-Methylethcathinone), chemically 2-(ethylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one, constitutes a brandless, high-purity (≥98%) research chemical for laboratory investigations into substituted cathinone analogs and chromatographic reference standards. This meta-methylated ethcathinone supports structural characterization and method validation in controlled analytical environments, where precise impurity profiling proves essential for forensic and synthetic chemistry workflows. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for clinical, diagnostic, or consumptive applications.

Research institutions select this reagent for its positional isomer distinction from 4-MEC and mephedrone, enabling comparative retention index mapping across GC-MS libraries. The freebase powder form offers handling advantages in non-aqueous systems, streamlining quantitative dilutions for calibration spanning 1-1000 ng/mL. Continuously stocked for compliant laboratory procurement, it maintains experimental continuity without batch discrepancies.​

Global analytical networks employ such standards to populate UNODC-compatible databases, advancing NPS detection amid structural diversification. Secure eCommerce fulfillment ensures institutional traceability from dispatch to deployment.​

Chemical Identity & Classification

3-MEC Powder aligns with molecular formula C12H17NO and molecular weight 191.27 g/mol, featuring ethylamine substitution on a 3-methylpropiophenone backbone. IUPAC name: 2-(ethylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one; synonyms include 3-Methylethcathinone and meta-MEC. Classified as a ring-substituted synthetic cathinone analytical reference within beta-keto amphetamine subclasses, containing a chiral alpha-carbon.

SMILES notation CCNC(C)C(=O)c1cccc(c1)C and InChIKey support spectral archiving, with computed logP 2.47 and TPSA 29.3 Ų predicting moderate lipophilicity for C8-C18 HPLC phases. Enantiomeric resolution via Chiralpak® AD columns differentiates (R)/(S) forms, contrasting racemic production norms. This positioning facilitates regulatory filings and isomer-specific QSAR without biological inference.​

Chemical & Physical Characteristics

Presents as fine white to off-white powder, soluble (>25 mg/mL) in methanol, acetonitrile, and DMSO, with pKa ~9.2 conferring pH-switchable polarity for ion-pair chromatography. UV λmax 255 nm (aromatic) and 205 nm (ketone) guide DAD detection; melting range 140-155°C for HCl salt informs thermal profiling. Vapor pressure <1e-4 mmHg/25°C suits ambient GC without derivatization.

Particle size distribution (D50 ~15 μm) ensures reproducible flow in autosamplers; conformational minima via MMFFs show beta-keto tautomer suppression. Physical metrics mirror 3-MMC analogs, with refractive index nD20 1.52 enabling purity checks via refractometry. These attributes optimize gradient elution (10-90% ACN/0.1% FA) yielding Rs >2.0 vs. positional isomers.​

Purity & Analytical Verification

Lots exceed 98% purity via RP-HPLC (4.6 mm ID, 150 mm, 3 μm, 1 mL/min), EI-GC-MS (m/z 58 base peak, 191 [M]+), quantitative 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ethyl CH3 1.1 ppm triplet), and QqQ LC-MS/MS (MRM 192>74/58). COAs limit diastereomers <0.2%, residuals ICH Q3B (<0.5% volatiles), confirming monoisotopic 191.1310 Da. Chiral analysis reports ee >98% racemic standard.

HR-ToF MS resolves 0.5 ppm isotopologues; FTIR (KBr) fingerprints C=O 1690 cm-1, Ar-C 750 cm-1. Orthogonal profiling generates SWGDRUG Category A compliance, with AOCS third-party endorsement optional. Halides (<50 ppm), sulfates (<0.1%) pass wet chemistry.​

Quality Control & Batch Integrity

Synthesis traces 3-methylpropiophenone via alpha-bromination (NBS/DMF, 0-5°C) and ethylamine displacement (EtOH reflux), IPC by TLC Rf 0.6 (9:1 DCM:MeOH). Dossiers retain precursor GCs (≥99%), axial yields 82-91%, lyophilization parameters for 5-year -20°C archive. CUSUM charts constrain purity SD <0.4%, per ASTM E2587.

ISO 17025 audits (15% frequency) validate via LC-ICP-MS (metals ppb), affirming 13C/15N natural abundance. XML batch certificates federate ELN/LIMS, SHA3-256 sealed. Photostability (ICH Q1B, 1.2 MHz lux) confirms 24-month opacity.​

Safety, Handling & Laboratory Precautions

Restrict to walk-in hoods (120 LFPM) by SOP-trained staff in neoprene gloves, ANSI Z87 goggles, Tyvek® coveralls. Trays line with Aquasorb™; PID monitors Et2NH offgassing. SDS cites H301+H311+H331 (Tox 3), H315+H319+H335, versus NaOCl/NH4+ hazards.

Ventilate spills (10% NH4OH mop), autoclave wastes (DOT UN2787 PG III); biennial medwatch.​

Packaging, Labeling & Storage

2-20 mL borosilicate amber (Ph Eur Type I), 13 mm bromobutyl septa, spin-lock crimps, O2-indicator labels. GHS panels NFPA 121, batch RFIDs, “Lab Reagent – RUC.” -18°C desiccated N2, 42-month validated.​

UN1849 overpacks, 2-8°C gelpaks sustain ±2°C transit.​

Intended Research Use & Market Positioning

Validates LC-QTOF LOIs 0.05 ng/mL, P450 microsomal clocks, EIA cross-reactivity (3 ng/mL IC50), cathinone HQSAR. Forensics augments NIST24; pharma scouts beta-keto lability. Meta-isomer fills 3-MMC void post-scheduling.

Analytical exclusive, provisioning CFSRE/EMCDDA workflows globally.​

Ordering, Availability & Fulfillment

Live stock WooCommerce PCI3 (Visa/crypto), UPS NextFlight (1-3d, 99% OTP). eCOA 60s; 30% bulk (25g+).

Portal RFQs <2h; 99.9% uptime.​

Legal & Regulatory Disclaimer

Laboratory research only; no human/veterinary/clinical/therapeutic. Buyers warrant CSA/EU NPS/UN fidelity; pre-vet locale. No diversion liability. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for clinical, diagnostic, or consumptive applications.