ADBICA (ADB-PICA) Cannabinoid
What Is ADBICA (ADB-PICA)?
ADBICA, also referred to as ADB-PICA, is a synthetic cannabinoid identified in synthetic cannabis blends in Japan in 2013. As a designer drug, it was not previously documented in scientific literature before its emergence in the illicit drug market. Structurally, ADBICA features a carboxamide group at the 3-indole position, resembling other synthetic cannabinoids such as SDB-001 and STS-135. Its chemical name is N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-pentyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide, and it is known for its potent agonistic activity at cannabinoid receptors CB1 (EC50 = 0.69 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 1.8 nM) (Pharmacology Study). This potency suggests strong psychoactive effects, similar to but potentially more intense than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active compound in cannabis. As of October 2015, ADBICA is a controlled substance in China, reflecting concerns about its abuse potential and health risks.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | ADBICA (ADB-PICA) |
| First Identified | 2013, Japan, in synthetic cannabis blends |
| Chemical Structure | Carboxamide at 3-indole position, similar to SDB-001 and STS-135 |
| Receptor Affinity | CB1 (EC50: 0.69 nM), CB2 (EC50: 1.8 nM) |
| Legal Status | Controlled in China (October 2015) |
ADBICA (ADB-PICA) Physical and Chemical Properties
ADBICA has a molecular formula of C20H29N3O2 and a molar mass of 343.471 g/mol (ChemSpider ADBICA). Its monoisotopic mass is 343.225977, and its CAS registry number is 1445583-48-1. Detailed physical properties, such as appearance, melting point, boiling point, or solubility, are not extensively documented in publicly available sources, likely due to its status as a relatively new and controlled substance. Based on its use in synthetic cannabis blends, it is presumed to be a solid at room temperature, possibly appearing as a white or off-white powder, though this is speculative. Analytical standards of ADBICA are often provided as solutions in methanol, indicating solubility in organic solvents (LGC Standards). The lack of comprehensive physical data underscores the need for further research into its chemical behavior.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C20H29N3O2 |
| Molar Mass | 343.471 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic Mass | 343.225977 |
| CAS Number | 1445583-48-1 |
| Appearance | Likely solid (speculative, not confirmed) |
| Solubility | Soluble in methanol (based on analytical standards) |
ADBICA (ADB-PICA) Synthesis
The synthesis of ADBICA involves standard organic chemistry techniques applied to indole-based scaffolds, with modifications to incorporate specific side chains, such as the 1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl group linked to a 1-pentyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide base. A detailed synthesis protocol is described in the BB Forum study by Banister et al., published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience (Banister et al. 2015). This study synthesized ADBICA alongside other synthetic cannabinoids, such as AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA, to evaluate their pharmacological properties. The synthesis likely involves steps such as N-alkylation of indole derivatives and amide formation, though specific reagents and conditions are detailed in the study’s supporting information, which is available through the ACS Publications website. Due to the complexity and potential legal restrictions, synthesis is typically conducted in controlled laboratory settings for research purposes only.
As the first step of ADBICA production from indole, the first step is 1-Pentyl-3-(trifluoroacetyl)indole synthesis. Indole is processed with NaH, 1-bromopentane in DMF. Then (CF3CO)2O is added to the resulting solution yielding 1-pentyl-3-(trifluoroacetyl)indole.
The second step is 1-pentylindole-3-carboxylic acid synthesis from 1-Pentyl-3-(trifluoroacetyl)indole. 1-pentyl-3-(trifluoroacetyl)indole is processed by KOH methanol solution in toluene with reflux yielding 1-pentylindole-3-carboxylic acid.
The final step is ADBICA (ADB-PICA) synthesis from 1-pentylindole-3-carboxylic acid. 1-Pentylindole-3-carboxylic acid, L-tert-leucinamide are stirred in DMF with EDC, HOBt and DIPEA, extracted yielding final crude ADBICA (ADB-PICA).
ADBICA (ADB-PICA) Effects
ADBICA’s pharmacological effects stem from its potent agonistic activity at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with EC50 values of 0.69 nM and 1.8 nM, respectively (Pharmacology Study). This suggests that ADBICA produces cannabimimetic effects, such as euphoria, altered perception, and relaxation, similar to THC but potentially more pronounced due to its higher potency. In vitro studies confirm its strong activation of cannabinoid receptors, but in vivo data specific to ADBICA is limited. For comparison, related compounds like AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA induced hypothermia and bradycardia in rats, indicating cannabimimetic activity (Banister et al. 2015).
Synthetic cannabinoids, including ADBICA, are associated with serious adverse health effects, which may include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, tachycardia, hypotension, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or death (Pharmacology Study). A case report on 5F-ADB, a related synthetic cannabinoid, described symptoms such as collapse, confusion, panic attacks, and memory loss (5F-ADB Case Report). Another study on ADB-BUTINACA reported reduced consciousness, agitation, and acidosis (ADB-BUTINACA Study). While no specific case reports document ADBICA intoxication, its structural similarity to these compounds suggests comparable risks. The lack of human studies and the variability in synthetic cannabinoid formulations further complicate its safety profile.
| Effect Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological | Potent CB1/CB2 agonist; euphoria, altered perception (speculative) |
| Adverse | Anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, cardiovascular issues |
| Evidence | Limited to in vitro data and class-wide adverse effect reports |
Conclusion
ADBICA (ADB-PICA) is a synthetic cannabinoid with significant psychoactive potential due to its potent activity at CB1 and CB2 receptors. Identified in 2013 in Japan, it has since been recognized as a designer drug with a high risk of abuse and adverse health effects. Its chemical properties include a molecular formula of C20H29N3O2 and a molar mass of 343.471 g/mol, though detailed physical characteristics remain underreported. Synthesis methods are documented in scientific literature, involving complex organic chemistry techniques. While ADBICA likely produces cannabis-like effects, its association with severe adverse reactions, such as seizures and cardiovascular issues, highlights its dangers. As a controlled substance in some regions, its use is restricted, and further research is essential to elucidate its full pharmacological and toxicological profile. Caution is advised due to the significant health risks posed by synthetic cannabinoids.
Sources
- Banister, Samuel D., et al. “Pharmacology of indole and indazole synthetic cannabinoid designer drugs ab-fubinaca, adb-fubinaca, ab-pinaca, adb-pinaca, 5f-ab-pinaca, 5f-adb-pinaca, adbica, and 5f-adbica.” ACS chemical neuroscience 6.9 (2015): 1546-1559. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00112
- Breaking Bad Forum Synthesis of ADBICA (ADB-PICA) https://bbgate.com/threads/synthesis-of-adbica-adb-pica.328/