Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant belonging to the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes of compounds.

• Chemical name (IUPAC):
  (RS)-N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine
• Molecular formula:
  C₁₀H₁₅N
• Molar mass:
  149.23 g/mol

Chemical class

• Phenethylamine
• Amphetamine derivative
• Substituted amphetamine
• Synthetic stimulant

Key structural features

• A benzene (phenyl) ring
• A three-carbon side chain
• An N-methylated amine group
• An α-methyl group on the carbon adjacent to the amine

Functional groups

• Secondary amine
• Aromatic phenyl ring

Stereochemistry

• Contains a single chiral center
• Exists as two enantiomers:
  • Dextromethamphetamine (d-methamphetamine)
  • Levomethamphetamine (l-methamphetamine)
• The enantiomers differ in their pharmacological properties

Pharmacological chemical class

• Monoamine-releasing agent
• Central nervous system stimulant
• Interacts with monoamine transport systems, particularly those involving dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

Structural significance

Methamphetamine is structurally very similar to amphetamine. The primary difference is the addition of a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom:

• Amphetamine: C₉H₁₃N
• Methamphetamine: C₁₀H₁₅N

This N-methyl substitution increases lipophilicity and alters how the molecule interacts biologically.

Relationship to other compounds

Methamphetamine belongs to the broader amphetamine family, which includes compounds such as:

• Amphetamine
• MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
• MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine)

All share the characteristic phenethylamine backbone with various substitutions.

Physical characteristics

• Pure methamphetamine is a colorless crystalline compound
• Commonly encountered as salt forms, particularly methamphetamine hydrochloride
• Water-soluble in its salt form and relatively stable under normal storage conditions