O-PCE (N-Ethyl-1-phenyl-2-oxo-pyrrolidine-cyclohexylethylamine)
Forensic and Analytical Overview
1. Chemical Identification
-
Common name: O-PCE
-
Systematic name: N-Ethyl-1-phenyl-2-oxo-pyrrolidine-cyclohexylethylamine
-
Chemical class: Arylcyclohexylamine
-
Molecular formula: C₁₆H₂₃NO
-
Molecular weight: ~245.36 g/mol
-
Structural relation: Analog of eticyclidine (PCE) and ketamine; features an N-ethyl substitution on the amine group.
2. Background
O-PCE first appeared in the mid-2010s as an arylcyclohexylamine analogue of PCE and related dissociative compounds. It has been referenced in toxicological case studies, analytical chemistry papers, and forensic reports concerning the identification and differentiation of structural analogues within this class.
While structurally related to compounds studied for NMDA receptor antagonism, O-PCE is not approved for medical or veterinary use and is controlled in numerous jurisdictions due to its pharmacological similarity to other dissociative anesthetics.
3. Analytical Characterization
Laboratory identification methods include:
-
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)
-
Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS)
-
Infrared (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
-
High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for isomer differentiation
Characteristic mass spectral fragments and IR absorption patterns allow for the detection and confirmation of O-PCE in forensic samples.
4. Research and Forensic Relevance
O-PCE is primarily studied for:
-
Analytical and forensic identification in seized materials
-
Comparison of structure–activity relationships among arylcyclohexylamines
-
Toxicological screening and metabolism mapping
-
Development of reference standards for regulatory and laboratory purposes
5. Legal and Safety Notes
-
Status: Controlled or scheduled in many countries under analog or NPS legislation.
-
Handling: Restricted to authorized laboratories with appropriate chemical handling licenses.
-
Storage: Keep in secure, temperature-controlled environments; avoid exposure to moisture and light.
-
Safety: Laboratory personnel should follow local regulations, employ PPE, and dispose of samples via approved chemical waste channels.
6. Summary
O-PCE represents a non-medical arylcyclohexylamine analogue primarily encountered in forensic and toxicological research contexts. Its identification assists in understanding emerging synthetic substances and supporting regulatory monitoring efforts.
