🧪 NEP

🧪 NEP (N-Ethylpentedrone)

Forensic and Analytical Overview

1. Chemical Identification

Common name: NEP
Systematic name: 2-(Ethylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one
Chemical class: Synthetic cathinone / β-keto amphetamine
Molecular formula: C₁₃H₁₉NO
Molecular weight: ~205.30 g/mol
Structural relation: The N-ethyl analogue of pentedrone, part of the cathinone class of stimulants. Structurally related to compounds such as N-ethylcathinone (NEC) and ethylone.

2. Background

NEP (N-Ethylpentedrone) emerged on the research chemical market in the mid-2010s as a stimulant analogue within the substituted cathinone series.
It was developed as part of ongoing forensic and analytical studies into β-keto amphetamine derivatives and their structure–activity relationships.

While it shares core similarities with known dopaminergic stimulants, NEP is not approved for medical or veterinary use. Its availability is restricted to scientific and analytical research applications only.

3. Analytical Characterization

Common laboratory methods for NEP identification 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 fragmentation: prominent base peaks corresponding to β-keto cleavage and ethylamino side-chain loss, similar to pentedrone and other N-ethyl cathinones.

4. Research and Forensic Relevance

NEP is primarily examined for:

• Analytical identification of synthetic cathinones in forensic casework

• Comparative study of N-ethyl vs. N-methyl substitutions

• Development of chemical reference spectra for law enforcement databases

• Toxicological and metabolic profiling of stimulant analogues

5. Legal and Safety Notes

Status: Controlled or scheduled in several jurisdictions under analogue or new psychoactive substance (NPS) legislation.
Handling: Restricted to authorized laboratories and qualified researchers.
Storage: Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment; avoid light and moisture.
Safety: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow institutional guidelines for handling and disposal of analytical substances.

6. Summary

NEP (N-Ethylpentedrone) is a synthetic cathinone analogue primarily used for forensic and analytical purposes.
Its identification contributes to the ongoing study of structure–activity relationships within the β-keto amphetamine class and supports laboratory-based toxicological research.

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