Introduction
Stimulant research is a central topic in chemical and pharmacological science. Methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, is an established medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. 3FPO, a new research compound, is considered a potential derivative of methylphenidate and is gaining attention in scientific circles. This report compares the chemical structures, experimental applications, quality and reproducibility aspects, and legal classifications of both substances, with a clear focus on their scientific use. It is emphasized that both substances are intended exclusively for scientific purposes; any consumption would be illegal.
Basic chemical data
Molecular formulas and structure
Methylphenidate has the molecular formula C14H19NO2 and is chemically known as methyl 2-phenyl-2-(piperidin-2-yl)acetate (Methylphenidate PubChem). It consists of a piperidine ring, an unsubstituted phenyl group, and an ester group bonded to a central carbon atom. The active form is the (2R,2'R)-threo isomer, which determines its stereochemistry (Methylphenidate ScienceDirect).
3FPO, chemically 5-((3-Fluorophenyl)(piperidin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole, has the molecular formula C15H18FN3O. It also contains a piperidine ring and a phenyl group, but the phenyl group is fluorinated at the 3-position. Instead of the ester group, there is a 3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole ring bonded to a central carbon atom, which also carries the piperidine and 3-fluorophenyl groups (3-FPO Reddit).
|
substance |
molecular formula |
Structural features |
|---|---|---|
|
Methylphenidate |
C14H19NO2 |
Piperidine ring, unsubstituted phenyl group, ester group, two chiral centers |
|
3FPO |
C15H18FN3O |
Piperidine ring, 3-fluorinated phenyl group, 3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole ring, chiral center |
Stereochemistry
Methylphenidate possesses two chiral centers: one at the central carbon atom connecting the phenyl and piperidine groups, and one at the piperidine ring. The pharmacologically active form is the (2R,2'R)-threo isomer, which is the preferred form in clinical trials. 3FPO possesses a chiral center at the carbon atom connecting the 3-fluorophenyl group, the piperidine ring, and the oxadiazole ring. The stereochemistry of the piperidine ring in 3FPO is less well documented because it is a new substance, but the chiral nature of the central carbon requires careful analytical investigation.
Similarities
Both substances share the structural basis of a piperidine ring and a phenyl group bonded to a central carbon atom. 3FPO can therefore be considered a distant relative of methylphenidate, although the fluorination and the oxadiazole ring represent significant differences. These structural similarities make 3FPO interesting for comparative studies with methylphenidate in research.
Historical and regulatory development
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate was synthesized in 1944 by Leandro Panizzon and named after his wife, Marguerite "Rita" (Methylphenidate Wikipedia). It was introduced as a medication in the 1950s and is now a standard treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. In Germany, it is listed in Schedule III of the Narcotics Act (BtMG), meaning it is prescription-only and subject to strict controls (BtMG Schedule III). This regulation reflects its established medical use and potential for abuse.
3FPO
3FPO is a newer research substance described as a derivative of 3-fluorophenmetrazine (3FPM) (3-FPO Flower Power). It first appeared on the research substance market around 2025 and is discussed in online forums (3-FPO Reddit). As of June 2025, 3FPO is not explicitly listed in the Narcotics Act (BtMG), but could fall under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG), especially if it is considered an analogue of phenmetrazine or methylphenidate. The legal situation remains dynamic, as new substances can be regulated quickly.
Experimental application and quality control
Analytical methods
Methylphenidate is frequently analyzed in research using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to confirm its purity and structure. Experiments have shown that methylphenidate exhibited ≥ 99% HPLC purity in analytical tests, underscoring its suitability as a reference standard. 3FPO is analyzed similarly, using GC-MS and NMR to verify identity and purity. Experiments have also shown ≥ 99% HPLC purity in 3FPO, and experiments can be reproduced using identical parameters, ensuring high reproducibility of laboratory results.
Applications
Methylphenidate serves as a standard in research studies on dopamine and noradrenaline transporters because it inhibits their reuptake (Methylphenidate DrugBank). It is also used for structural comparisons and stability analyses. 3FPO, as a new substance, is used for similar purposes, particularly for investigating structure-activity relationships and chemical stability under various conditions. Both substances have been successfully tested in experiments, confirming their suitability for precise scientific investigations.
Quality aspects
Methylphenidate, as a pharmaceutical product, is subject to strict quality controls in accordance with the requirements of the German Medicines Act (AMG). Each batch is tested for purity and consistency, and detailed laboratory reports are available. 3FPO, as a research substance, also requires high quality standards. Reputable suppliers ensure that 3FPO achieves ≥ 99% HPLC purity in analytical tests, and batch controls ensure traceability. Both substances should be stored in airtight containers at ≤ 8°C, protected from light and moisture, to maintain their stability.
|
aspect |
Methylphenidate |
3FPO |
|---|---|---|
|
Analytical method |
GC-MS, NMR, HPLC (≥ 99% purity) |
GC-MS, NMR, HPLC (≥ 99% purity) |
|
storage |
Protected from light and moisture, ≤ 8 °C |
Protected from light and moisture, ≤ 8 °C |
|
reproducibility |
High reproducibility in laboratory tests |
High reproducibility in laboratory tests |
Legal comparison
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is listed in Schedule III of the Narcotics Act (BtMG), reflecting its prescription-only nature and strict regulatory requirements. This classification is based on its medical use and potential for abuse, particularly due to its stimulant properties (BtMG Schedule III). The German Medicines Act (AMG) also regulates its production and distribution to ensure safety.
3FPO
As of June 2025, 3FPO is not explicitly listed in the Narcotics Act (BtMG), which distinguishes it from methylphenidate. However, it could fall under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG), especially if it is considered a structural analogue of phenmetrazine or methylphenidate (3-FPO Flower Power). The NpSG aims to regulate new psychoactive substances, and 3FPO could be classified at any time due to its structural similarity to regulated substances. Researchers must therefore continuously monitor the legal situation.
Risks and responsibility
The use of research substances such as 3FPO and methylphenidate outside of controlled laboratory environments is illegal and carries significant risks. Albert Hofmann, the discoverer of LSD, warned of the dangers of abusing psychoactive substances: "I did not expect that LSD, which I considered a valuable research tool, would be abused in society" (LSD Wikipedia). This statement underscores the need to use such substances exclusively in scientific contexts. Any use would be illegal and is strictly prohibited by acid-berlin.de.
Conclusion
3FPO and methylphenidate offer valuable opportunities for chemical and pharmacological research, but differ in their chemical structure, experimental applications, and legal classification. While methylphenidate is an established drug with strict regulations, 3FPO is a new research substance with a dynamic legal situation. Researchers are invited to further explore the differences scientifically. Compare additional laboratory results on 3FPO in our analytical archive.
