What are Research Chemicals?
Research chemicals are chemical molecules that scientists utilize in medical and scientific study. A research chemical is distinguished by the fact that it is strictly for laboratory research purposes; it is not designed for human or veterinary use.
Alkane, alkene, and alkyne derivatives, as well as aromatic-based compounds and their derivatives, are common starting materials for research chemicals. There are numerous tools available for peptide synthesis, including amino acids, coupling agents, resins, and linkers. Inorganic compounds, polyamines, polymers, and a variety of reagents, such as alcohol protection reagents, fluorine donors, oxidizing agents, and detecting agents, are also used in research.
What is The Legal Status of Research Chemicals?
In legal and regulatory contexts, research compounds are frequently classed as synthetic pharmaceuticals. Synthetic drugs include MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, synthetic cathinones (bath salts), and synthetic cannabinoids (Spice and K2). Many organizations refer to these drugs as new psychoactive substances (NPS) because they are all made in laboratories, and many of them have legal equivalents designed deliberately to circumvent drug enforcement regulations. 1 Frequently, the packaging for these products bears the cautionary phrase “not for human consumption.”
Types of Research Chemicals
An inventory of research chemicals is updated almost daily as new versions of compounds are developed. A list of dangerous research chemicals (RCs) discovered and seized in response to reported substance abuse and overdose is provided below.
- 2C Series: These medications include 2,5-dimethyoxyphenethylamine, a common synthetic hallucinogen. One of the most famous is 2C-E, often known as Europa. The medications purportedly have the same effects as LSD. Breathing difficulties and persistent, psychotic hallucinations are two of the most dangerous and unpredictable adverse effects. Drugs from the 2C family have been related to fatal overdoses.
- Bromo-DragonFly: According to recent studies, this synthetic psychedelic amphetamine derivative has caused severe toxic reactions such as agitation and convulsions.
- 25I-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe: These synthetic substances are administered orally and are frequently confused with LSD. These compounds have been linked to severe toxicity and even death. They are frequently referred to as N-bombs or Smiles.
Acetyl fentanyl: With fentanyl, a lethal prescription drug that is 100 times more powerful than heroin, already wreaking havoc on the country, the introduction of acetyl fentanyl as a research chemical puts those suffering from opioid addiction at serious risk of death. This opioid compound has been connected to deaths, although as a research chemical, human reactions to the molecule have not been thoroughly studied.
MXE (Methoxamine): This substance is a dissociative and pain reliever, comparable to ketamine; in fact, it is frequently marketed as a ketamine substitute. MXE has effects similar to those of PCP, another hazardous synthetic psychoactive substance. MXE produces a high that lasts 5-7 hours. This chemical has been related to several overdose deaths.
The Side Effects of Research Chemicals (Mental and Physical)
Anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, and convulsions.
Hallucinations, high blood pressure, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate.
Euphoria, increased empathy, changed perception, rapid heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, headache, sleeplessness, anxiety, panic attacks
Seizures, high blood pressure, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat
Fast heart rate, high blood pressure, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures, serotonin syndrome, irritability, disorientation, anxiety, depression, paranoia, abnormal blood coagulation, and rhabdomyolysis.
Euphoria, heightened senses, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, uncontrollable eye movements, and amnesia. Long-term use can lead to cognitive problems, mood and psychotic issues.
Depending on the substance, symptoms may include increased energy, alertness, euphoria, loss of appetite, exhaustion, pain alleviation, relaxation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression.
Research Chemical Misuse or Addiction
Addiction to research chemicals varies since they encompass such a wide range of compounds, and even research chemicals that appear to be identical can differ. There is no such thing as a “research chemical use disorder,” however frequent use of research chemicals could be classified as a polysubstance use disorder.
Getting Help From Research Chemical Addiction
According to the UNODC’s 2016 World Drug Report, the majority of those who abuse NPSs, including research compounds, are polysubstance users. twenty-one This is partly due to the fact that people who commonly consume NPSs do so without understanding what they are taking; they are at a major social gathering, such as a rave, and purchase substances disguised as other drugs, such as ketamine, LSD, or ecstasy. They are more likely to mix illicit narcotics with alcohol and other street drugs. However, other accounts indicate that some persons who abuse NPSs do so on purpose, after purchasing research compounds from online merchants.
Education and Prevention of Research Chemicals
Preventing research chemical abuse necessitates thorough education and awareness campaigns that target both potential users and their families. Early detection of warning symptoms and comprehension of harm reduction concepts can save lives, while education helps dispel dangerous myths about these substances.