🧪 4F-MPH

🧪 4F-MPH (4-Fluoromethylphenidate)

Forensic and Analytical Overview

1. Chemical Identification

Common name: 4F-MPH
Systematic name: Methyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-2-yl)acetate
Chemical class: Piperidine / Phenidate derivative
Molecular formula: C₁₄H₁₈FNO₂
Molecular weight: ~251.30 g/mol
Structural relation: Fluorinated analogue of methylphenidate (Ritalin); substitution of fluorine at the para position on the phenyl ring.

2. Background

4F-MPH (4-Fluoromethylphenidate) is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the phenidate family.
It was first described in scientific and forensic literature in the mid-2010s as part of a new generation of methylphenidate analogues investigated for structure–activity relationships and analytical differentiation.

Although it shares structural features with methylphenidate, 4F-MPH is not an approved pharmaceutical and is utilized strictly within analytical and toxicological research frameworks.

3. Analytical Characterization

Common identification methods include:

• Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)

• Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS)

• Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

• High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)

Characteristic analytical features include fluorine-substituted aromatic fragment ions and the methyl ester functional group signature, aiding in differentiation from related methylphenidate analogues.

4. Research and Forensic Relevance

4F-MPH is primarily employed for:

• Analytical reference and calibration studies

• Forensic identification and toxicological screening

• Comparative pharmacological and metabolism studies among piperidine stimulants

• Structural elucidation and isomer confirmation in seized-sample analysis

5. Legal and Safety Notes

Status: Controlled or monitored in many jurisdictions under analogue or stimulant legislation.
Handling: Restricted to qualified researchers within licensed analytical laboratories.
Storage: Store securely in dry, temperature-controlled environments.
Safety: Observe standard laboratory safety protocols and use appropriate PPE.

6. Summary

4F-MPH represents a fluorinated analogue within the methylphenidate family, encountered mainly in forensic and analytical research.
Its study supports improved identification of stimulant-type substances and contributes to forensic toxicology databases.

⚠️ For Research Use Only / Not for Human Consumption
Not intended for medical, veterinary, or household use.
Authorized laboratory applications only.