Matthew Falcione

Mrs. Albanese
Chemistry Period 5
23 April 2014
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
The chemical of the week is methylenedioxymethamphetamine, shortened to MDMA. MDMA,
a white, tan, or brown powder, is also known as ecstasy, which is then shortened even more to
E, X, or XTC. Many modern references in the media refer to it as molly (US) or mandy
(UK). Its chemical formula is C
11
H
15
NO
2
. It is in the amphetamine classes of drugs. It is
criminalized in most countries, yet this does not prevent it from being distributed illegally.
Originally developed in 1912 by the Merck chemical company, it was patented as an appetite
suppressant. Now it is used as a party, or rave or dance drug. When ingested it gives the user
experiences simulating and psychedelic effects. It can be overdosed, especially when used in
conjunction with alcohol or other illicit drugs.
References
MDMA. (n.d.). EMCDDA. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/mdma
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. (n.d.). Princeton University. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from
https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Methylenedioxymethampheta
mine.html
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). (n.d.). National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/methylenedioxymethampheta
mine.htm
The Effects of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology
Information. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8895996