RTI-111 (Dichloropane): Chemical, Pharmacological, Research Uses, and Safety

RTI-111 (dichloropane, O-401) is a synthetic phenyltropane compound. The compounds in this family were first studied by researchers because the structure of their molecules interacts with the monoamine transporters in the central nervous system. RTI-111 has been marketed as a research chemical, but it has not been approved by scientists as a medicine or a safe therapeutic product.

What Is RTI-111 (Dichloropane)?

RTI-111 dichloropane is a synthetic tropane derivative, which is chemically similar to other tropane compounds. The molecular formula for PubChem is C16H19Cl2NO2 and the molecular weight of the free base is approximately 328.2 g/mol. The systematic chemical name is methyl (1R,2S,3S,5S)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate.

The compound is a tropane ring with a dichlorinated phenyl group. Its structure is thus different from that of cocaine although researchers have described some pharmacological similarities between the two compounds.

Chemical Identification

Some of the more common identifiers reported are:

• Dichloropane (trade name)
• Research code: RTI-111
• Also known as: O-401
• Molecular formula: C16H19Cl2NO2
• Molecular weight: ~328.2 g/mol (free base)
• Chemical class: Phenyltropanes
• CAS No. 146725-34-0

These identifiers enable researchers to differentiate RTI-111 from other compounds with similar names or structures.

How does RTI-111 function?

RTI-111 has been studied mainly in research because of its interaction with the dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. Thus, the compound may block the uptake of these neurotransmitters. This mechanism places dichloropane among a larger group of compounds known as serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (SNDRIs).

However, transporter activity does not equate to a medical benefit of a compound. In addition, any compound must have suitable pharmacokinetics, toxicity, long-term safety, therapeutic efficacy and dosing developed before it can be considered for clinical application.

Why scientists studied phenyltropanes

Substituted phenyltropanes were developed by scientists studying cocaine-related compounds and their interactions with monoamine transporters. The goal was to investigate the impact of structural alterations on transporter binding and pharmacological activity. RTI-111 is one example of this larger research area.

History of Research on RTI-111

Research on RTI-111 and related phenyltropanes dates back to work done in the late twentieth century. The researchers investigated these compounds as a chemical tool to study monoamine transporters.

RTI-111 later showed up outside of controlled scientific research as a so-called research chemical. Afterward, forensic laboratories examined samples including RTI-111 and created analytical methods for the identification of the compound and its metabolites.

This history is important because the recreational availability of a compound does not mean that it is safe, effective, or approved for human treatment.

Safety and Health Issues

Limited and not well established data on the long-term toxicity, metabolism and safety profile of dichloropane. Available sources describe it as a stimulant with psychoactive effects, and forensic research has confirmed the identification of the compound in seized or commercially distributed research-chemical samples.

RTI-111 has affinity for several monoamine transporters and uncontrolled exposure may produce significant cardiovascular and nervous system effects. Research chemicals may also present an additional level of uncertainty, as their identity, purity, concentration and contamination status may not be independently verified.

Therefore, RTI-111 should not be marketed as an approved drug or dietary supplement.

Is RTI-111 an approved drug?

None. RTI-111 is not a proven, approved therapeutic medicine. Research findings on transporter activity do not establish clinical efficacy or safety.

Accordingly, any information regarding RTI-111 should be limited to an appropriate scientific, analytic, forensic or educational setting.

FAQs

RTI-111 is a research chemical that is a potent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The pharmaceutical company Research Triangle Institute (RTI) developed it in the early 1990s. RTI-111 acts as a structural analogue of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (Prozac) and demonstrates similar effects on serotonin levels in the brain. RTI-111 remains unapproved for medical use and serves primarily in scientific research to investigate the mechanisms of SSRIs and their effects on the central nervous system.

Dichloropane (RTI-111) is a synthetic phenyltropane compound that has been studied by researchers for its interactions with dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters.

What is Dichloropane

Dichloropane has been studied primarily as a research chemical, most notably in studies of monoamine transporters and cocaine-related phenyltropane chemistry. This is not an approved medical treatment.

The molecular formula of RTI-111 is what?

RTI-111 free base has the molecular formula of C16H19Cl2NO2 and a molecular weight of approximately 328.2 g/mol.

Is RTI-111 safe to use?

Its safety profile has not been sufficiently established. The information available points to important questions about its toxicity, metabolism and long term effects. It is described as a research chemical and should not therefore be assumed to be safe.

Summary

RTI-111 (dichloropane) is a synthetic phenyltropane compound of scientific interest due to its activity at dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. Related compounds have been used by researchers to probe the biology of monoamine transporters and structural determinants of transporter interactions.

However, RTI-111 is still a compound with significant safety unknowns rather than an approved medicine. The description of it as a treatment or consumer product should be replaced by reliable information on its chemistry, research history, analytical identification, pharmacology and potential risks.