O-PCE

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.