General Information

Alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (also known as α-PVP, A-PVP, alpha-PVP, or flakka) CAS 14530-33-7 is a novel stimulant from the cathinone and pyrrolidinophenone families. α-PVP shares a chemical relationship with prolintane and is part of the substituted cathinones group, which also includes substances like MDPV, hexen, and a-PHP. Its primary mechanism of action is as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Originally patented by Boehringer Ingelheim in the 1960s, α-PVP was never commercially produced. Its recreational use started gaining attention in the early 2010s. α-PVP became a focus of media coverage as one of the key components in products marketed as “bath salts” or “legal highs.”

Users report that α-PVP delivers strong but short-lasting stimulant effects similar to those of methamphetamine or cocaine, especially when inhaled or vaporized. Commonly mentioned effects include heightened stimulation, disinhibition, increased sexual desire, compulsive redosing, and euphoria. Like other synthetic cathinones, α-PVP has a high potential for compulsive use and addiction.

Currently, there is limited information available about the pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity of α-PVP. Given its intense psychostimulant effects and the uncertainty surrounding its toxicity, harm reduction strategies are strongly recommended for those who choose to experiment with this substance.

a-PVP Physico-Chemical Properties

α-PVP, or alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone CAS 14530-33-7, is a synthetic compound classified within the group known as substituted cathinones. These compounds are derivatives of cathinone, a naturally occurring psychoactive component found in the khat plant (Catha edulis). Cathinone’s chemical structure features a phenethylamine backbone, with an alkyl group attached to the alpha carbon and a ketone group linked to the beta carbon. The structure of α-PVP includes a cathinone core, a propyl group at the alpha carbon, and a pyrrolidine ring attached to the amino group. Its molecular formula is C15H21NO, and it has a molecular weight of 231.33 g/mol. While α-PVP is relatively stable in its pure form, it can degrade when exposed to light, heat, or humidity.

The hydrochloride form of α-PVP appears as a white or off-white, odorless crystalline powder with a melting point of 161.3°C. It is reported to have solubility in various solvents, including PBS (~10 mg/ml at pH 7.2), ethanol (~20 mg/ml), DMSO (~10 mg/ml), and DMF (~3 mg/ml).

a-PVP Synthesis

The synthesis of α-PVP CAS 14530-33-7 starts from the α-halogenation of the valerophenone precursor (1-phenylpentane-1-one) using bromine. 2-Bromo-1-phenylpentane-1-one is formed as the reaction result. Then its reaction with pyrrolidine yields α-PVP. Valerophenon can be synthesized from benzaldehyde or benzene and other precursors.

a-PVP Application

In legitimate scientific research, a-PVP CAS 14530-33-7 and its related compounds have been used to study the effects of stimulant drugs on the central nervous system. However, outside of research, a-PVP has no accepted medical applications or therapeutic value. Instead, it has become widely available on the illicit market, where it is often sold in powder, tablet, or crystalline form, typically under the guise of research chemicals, “bath salts,” or other legal alternatives.

a-PVP is primarily consumed recreationally for its stimulant effects. It can be ingested orally, snorted, smoked, or injected. The onset and intensity of effects vary based on the method of administration, with smoking and injection resulting in a faster, more intense experience compared to oral ingestion or snorting.

a-PVP Pharmacology

a-PVP CAS 14530-33-7 exerts its pharmacological effects primarily through its action on neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly the dopamine and norepinephrine systems. It acts as a reuptake inhibitor for these neurotransmitters, meaning it prevents their reabsorption into neurons, resulting in an increase in their levels in the synaptic cleft. This leads to heightened stimulation of the central nervous system, which manifests as increased energy, alertness, and euphoria.

The drug’s effects on the brain’s reward pathways can also lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and addiction. Over time, repeated use of a-PVP can alter the brain’s chemistry, making it difficult for individuals to experience pleasure from normal activities, contributing to the cycle of dependence.

α-PVP is a powerful and selective norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), comparable in strength to MDPV. Unlike transporter substrates, α-PVP does not trigger the release of neurotransmitters. It primarily functions as a stronger inhibitor of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) compared to traditional stimulants like cocaine and amphetamine.

Effects and Symptoms of a-PVP Use

Physical effects

• Stimulation – In terms of its effects on the user’s physical energy levels, α-PVP can be considered to be extremely stimulating and energetic. This encourages activities such as running, climbing and dancing, although it can also encourage just sitting immobile engaged in repetitive tasks. The particular style of stimulation which α-PVP presents can be described as forced. This means that at higher dosages it becomes difficult or impossible to keep still as jaw clenching, involuntarily bodily shakes and vibrations become present, resulting in an extreme unsteadiness of the hands and a general loss of motor control.
• Spontaneous bodily sensations – The “body high” of α-PVP can be described as a moderate to extreme euphoric tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. It is capable of becoming overwhelming at higher dosages. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
• Tactile enhancement – α-PVP can enhance one’s sense of touch to extreme degrees, often leading to states of sexual arousal.
• Vibrating vision – α-PVP can cause the eyeballs to spontaneously wiggle back and forth in a rapid motion, causing vision to become blurry and temporarily out of focus. This condition is known as nystagmus.
• Appetite suppression
• Abnormal heartbeat – Due to the potency of its rush, α-PVP can cause various uncomfortable or painful sensations in the heart, especially when abused or used for extended periods. Those with genetic a family history of heart issues are discouraged from using this drug in its most potent methods of administration, if not avoid it entirely.
• Increased blood pressure – α-PVP, especially when it is vaporized or injected, can lead to sudden spikes of blood pressure that may manifest in an extremely uncomfortable “exploding heart” sensation.
• Increased heart rate
• Dehydration – Dry mouth and dehydration are a universal experience with α-PVP and are a product of an increased heart rate, adrenergic activity and the motivation to engage in strenuous physical activities. While it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when out dancing in a hot environment, there is a potential possibility of suffering from water intoxication through over-drinking. Therefore it is advised that users simply sip at water and be mindful of their water in-take.
• Dry mouth
• Mouth numbing – In a similar fashion to that of cocaine, a-PVP numbs the areas of the body which it touches, these areas can include the nostrils, gums, mouth and urethra of the user.
• Increased perspiration
• Difficulty urinating – Higher doses of α-PVP result in an overall difficulty when it comes to urination, an effect that is temporary and typically harmless.
• Headaches – This typically can occur towards the end of the experience, but can sometimes happen during one as well.
• Muscle spasms
• Restless legs
• Vasoconstriction – α-PVP is reported to be very vasoconstricting at higher doses, and is on par with that of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
• Teeth grinding – This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of MDMA, though becomes more present at high doses.
• Seizure – α-PVP may lower the seizure threshold in some individuals, especially when it is abused.

Visual effects

• Brightness alteration – α-PVP can make spaces seem brighter due to its ability to dilate the pupils.
• Drifting – This effect is usually very mild and increases with sleep deprivation.
• Visual acuity suppression – α-PVP can have visual and vision-impairing effects that can lend readily to peripheral hallucinations.
• Hallucinatory states
• Peripheral information misinterpretation
• Scenarios and plots

Cognitive effects

• The cognitive effects of α-PVP can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The ample head space of α-PVP is described by many as one of extreme mental stimulation and a powerful rushing euphoria that dissipates quickly.
• Anxiety & Paranoia – α-PVP can lead to states of extreme paranoia when abused or dosed too highly, which is why eyeballing this substance is strongly discouraged. The paranoia this compound produces shares many features of the paranoia that can be induced by methamphetamine or cocaine, and typically happens while during the come down.
• Thought acceleration
• Disinhibition
• Cognitive euphoria – A euphoria very similar to amphetamine or cocaine is present as well as feelings of joy and happiness which are likely a direct result of marked norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibition.
• Immersion enhancement
• Focus enhancement – α-PVP has been noted as enhancing focus, but in a way that leaves the user totally fixated on whatever task at hand, however trivial.
• Ego inflation – Similar to the ego inflation of cocaine or methamphetamine, α-PVP can temporarily induce states of egomania at its peak.
• Increased libido – Like its predecessors MDPV and pentedrone, α-PVP can induce states of extreme sexual arousal due to its powerful disinhibiting effects
• Increased music appreciation
• Analysis enhancement – Users report that this effect typically only occurs at low doses, and becomes increasingly more impairing as one increases their intake.
• Motivation enhancement – This effect provides short-lived states of extreme motivation, but due to the cognitively narrowing aspects of its action, rarely ever translates into productive action.
• Compulsive redosing – A high tendency to compulsive redose is a hallmark of this class of drug.
• Feelings of impending doom – This typically is experienced when the substance is abused, but can happen at higher than needed doses, or the comedowns of binges. It can also happen spontaneously, although this tends to be rare.
• Time distortion – Strong feelings of time compression are common within α-PVP and increase in the perception of perceived experience is greatly increased
• Psychosis – This compound is known to readily induce psychosis if it is abused for prolonged periods of time.
• Wakefulness

Auditory effects

• Auditory distortion
• Auditory hallucination

After effects

• The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a “comedown” and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:
• Anxiety
• Appetite suppression
• Cognitive fatigue
• Depression
• Dream potentiation
• Sleep paralysis
• Irritability
• Motivation suppression
• Thought deceleration
• Wakefulness

a-PVP Dosage

a-PVP Legal Status

Due to its high potential for abuse, addictive properties, and lack of medical utility, a-PVP has been classified as a controlled substance in many countries. In the United States, it was listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in 2014, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Similarly, it is banned or heavily regulated in most European nations, as well as other parts of the world.

Despite the legal restrictions, a-PVP continues to appear on the illicit market, often sold online or in unregulated “head shops,” where it may be marketed under misleading labels like “research chemicals.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, α-PVP (alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is a potent synthetic stimulant with significant effects on the central nervous system, primarily through the inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. While initially patented in the 1960s, its recreational use became widespread in the early 2010s, especially as a key ingredient in “bath salts” and other legal highs. The substance is known for producing intense but short-lived stimulant effects, along with a high risk of addiction and compulsive use. Though it has been heavily regulated in many parts of the world due to its potential for abuse and health risks, α-PVP remains available on illicit markets. Given its limited pharmacological data and potential for harm, it is crucial to approach its use with caution, adhering to harm reduction practices when necessary.

Bibliography

• Hataoka, Kyoko, Asuka Kaizaki-Mitsumoto, and Satoshi Numazawa. “Alpha-PVP induces the rewarding effect via activating dopaminergic neuron.” The Journal of Toxicological Sciences 42.5 (2017): 539-543. https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.42.539
• Marusich, Julie A., et al. “Pharmacological effects of methamphetamine and alpha-PVP vapor and injection.” Neurotoxicology 55 (2016): 83-91. https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.42.539
• Alpha-PVP synthesis (1-10kg scale). Complete video tutorial.
• https://bbgate.com/threads/alpha-pvp-synthesis-1-10kg-scale-complete-video-tutorial.12/
• https://www.swgdrug.org
• https://psychonautwiki.org
• https://wikipedia.org