Werner

Hello to all members of this NG,


I have a work-related question about a substance:

Norephedrine, a known precursor used in illegal synthesis, has a chemical
isomer called norpseudephedrine.

This last substance has 2 optical isomers: (+) and (-)-norpseudoephedrine.
The (+) form is known as cathine and is scheduled as a psychotropic agent
under the Vienna convention (green list of the INCB).

My question concerns the (-) form: does anyone reading this NG know if this
has any physiological activity? I've theorized with colleagues about this
and we think (but don't know for sure) that, as only the (+) form occurs in
nature, it's very possible that the (-) form won't be able to bind to the
appropriate receptor. The thing is, we've not been very succesful in
finding hard info on the substance in question, so if anyone has this
information or can point to a source where it can be found I'd be much
obliged.

BTW: I'm mailing this from my home address but in case anyone thinks I'm a
home-chemist trying to make illegal drugs, just drop me a mail and I'll give
you my (government) email-address.

Friendly greetings,

Werner