4-CL-PVP (4-Chloro-α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone): Chemical Profile, Forensic Identification, and Legal Overview
Informational Overview
4-CL-PVP, or 4-Chloro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, is a synthetic cathinone of the pyrrolidinophenone family. Originally synthesized for laboratory research, it is structurally related to α-PVP and is primarily studied in forensic toxicology, analytical chemistry, and regulatory monitoring.
Like many substituted cathinones, 4-CL-PVP is encountered in seized materials and biological samples, where its stimulant properties, potency, and metabolism are under investigation. Forensic scientists study it to understand structural analogues, metabolic pathways, and public health implications.
⚠️ 4-CL-PVP is intended solely for analytical and research purposes and is not approved for human consumption.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 4-Chloro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone |
| CAS Number | Not officially assigned (research chemical) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅H₂₀ClNO |
| Molecular Weight | 265.78 g/mol |
| Chemical Family | Synthetic cathinone / pyrrolidinophenone |
| Physical Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone, and other organic solvents |
| Melting Point | 92–96 °C (varies by sample purity) |
| Boiling Point | ~350 °C (estimated) |
| Stability | Stable under dry, cool conditions; light- and moisture-sensitive |
| Common Analytical Detection | GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, FTIR spectroscopy, NMR |
These properties support forensic identification, laboratory quality control, and research reference databases.
4-CL-PVP Forensic and Analytical Applications
4-CL-PVP is increasingly included in designer drug screening libraries and monitored in toxicology, law enforcement, and pharmacology:
- Toxicological analyses in emergency cases
- Customs and law-enforcement screenings of seized materials
- Pharmacological profiling of synthetic cathinones
- Reference standard development for forensic mass spectrometry
Analytical Techniques:
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GC-MS | Identify fragmentation patterns of 4-CL-PVP and positional isomers |
| LC-MS/MS | Quantify trace amounts in biological matrices |
| FTIR Spectroscopy | Detect functional groups and structural motifs |
| NMR | Confirm molecular structure and chlorination site |
These methods help distinguish 4-CL-PVP from α-PVP, MDPV, and 4-MMC, enhancing database accuracy for law enforcement and forensic laboratories.
4-CL-PVP an Laboratory Handling and Compliance
Authorized research or government laboratories follow strict workflows:
- Regulatory Screening – Verify legal status under national laws.
- Procurement from Accredited Sources – Purchase from ISO-certified suppliers with MSDS and CoA documentation.
- Secure Storage and Documentation – Maintain restricted access and logbooks per controlled-substance regulations.
- Analytical Use Only – Employ in instrument calibration, forensic comparison, or research, never for human consumption.
Accredited suppliers may provide trace analytical-grade quantities (≤1 mg) under GLP or ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
4-CL-PVP an Safety and Disposal
Handling 4-CL-PVP requires comprehensive laboratory safety measures:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, goggles, lab coat
- Avoid Aerosolization: Handle powders in fume hoods
- Chemical Waste Disposal: Neutralize and dispose of residues per EPA or REACH hazardous waste guidelines
- Transport Compliance: Subject to UN Class 6.1 toxic substances rules, depending on jurisdiction
Health Risks: Due to stimulant activity, exposure may result in involuntary movements, elevated heart rate, or neurological effects if mishandled.
Legal Status
4-CL-PVP is generally regulated as a controlled substance analogue:
| Region | Legal Classification |
|---|---|
| United States | Federal Analogue Act (illegal for human consumption) |
| European Union | Listed as NPS in Early Warning Systems; banned in several member states |
| United Kingdom | Class B, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 |
| Canada & Australia | Controlled substance analogues under national drug laws |
Only licensed institutions may import, possess, or analyze 4-CL-PVP for scientific or forensic purposes.
Research Importance and Public Health
4-CL-PVP remains an important research focus due to its structural similarity to widely abused stimulants. Studying this compound aids in:
- Detecting emerging substances in public health monitoring
- Developing rapid toxicology test kits
- Informing legislative updates and public awareness initiatives
- Supporting international cooperation on controlling harmful analogues
Forensic utility: Comparative spectral analysis improves the distinction between 4-CL-PVP and other pyrrolidinophenones, enhancing database accuracy and enforcement efficiency.
Conclusion
4-CL-PVP (4-Chloro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is a research-grade synthetic cathinone that plays a critical role in forensic toxicology, law enforcement, and analytical chemistry.
By sourcing from licensed, accredited suppliers and adhering to safety, GLP, and legal standards, laboratories contribute to global drug monitoring, scientific transparency, and public health protection.
Key Takeaways
- Pyrrolidinophenone derivative used exclusively in research and forensic applications
- Stimulant effects similar to α-PVP, but human toxicity not fully characterized
- Legal only for licensed laboratories; unauthorized possession is illegal
- Requires strict PPE, handling, and disposal protocols
- Supports emerging substance detection, analytical calibration, and public-health initiatives
4cl-pvp/ 4-Chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone Keywords: “4-CL-PVP forensic research,” “synthetic cathinone analysis,” “pyrrolidinophenone reference standard,” “controlled substance research chemical”
