6-(2-Aminopropyl)benzofuran or 6-APB and “Benzofury” is a novel entactogen substance of the benzofuran class. It is structurally related to entactogens like MDA, MDMA, 5-APB, and 5-MAPB.
6-APDB
6-APB was first synthesized in 1993 by David E. Nichols as a potential non-neurotoxic alternative to MDMA. However, it did not come into popular recreational use until over a decade later. Thus, it briefly entered the rave scene and global research chemicals market. It was sold along with other novel benzofuran entactogens under the name “Benzofury” before its sale and import were subsequently banned.
Subjective effects include anxiety suppression, disinhibition, muscle relaxation, and euphoria. 6-APB’s effects are compared to those of MDA and other entactogens.
Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 6-APB. However, it has a brief history of human usage.
Chemistry
6-APB, also known as 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran, is a synthetic molecule of the benzofuran class. The benzofuran class of substances are members of the amphetamine and phenylethylamine classes. Molecules of this class contain a phenethylamine core bound to an amino (NH2) group. This is linked to an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. 6-APB does not contain a methyl substitution on RN.
Notably, 6-APB shares this benzofuran ring with related compounds such as 5-APB, 5-MAPB, and 6-MAPB.
Three distinct batches have been in circulation since its initial release to markets. Originally, only hydrochloride was available. Its dosage range shared characteristics most similar to that of MDA in terms of dose-response. However, succinate and fumarate batches both entered the market, and have very different effects by weight. Also, vastly different loose bulk densities.
Pharmacology
6-APB is a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI). It has Ki values of 117, 150, and 2698 nM for the norepinephrine transporter (NET), dopamine transporter (DAT), and serotonin transporter (SERT), respectively. 6-APB also possesses additional activity as a releasing agent of these monoamine neurotransmitters.
6-APB is a potent full agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor (Ki = 3.7 nM).It has higher affinity for this target than any other site.
