Isotonitazene – Synthetic Opioid 

Isotonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid belonging to the nitazene class, a group of compounds structurally related to etonitazene. It was originally developed for research purposes and has gained attention due to its extremely high potency at the mu-opioid receptor. Isotonitazene is primarily encountered in research chemical contexts and has no approved medical use.

Chemical Properties

IUPAC Name: N,N-diethyl-2-(2-(4-isopropoxybenzyl)-5-nitro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)ethan-1-amine

Molecular Formula: C23H30N4O3

CAS Number: 14188-81-9

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder

Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents; limited solubility in water

Pharmacology and Effects

Isotonitazene is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, exhibiting a pharmacological profile similar to fentanyl and hydromorphone. In pre-clinical studies, it demonstrated greater potency than morphine in analgesic assays . Activation of the mu-opioid receptor by isotonitazene involves recruitment of β-arrestin-2, a regulatory protein implicated in some adverse effects of opioid analgesics .

The abuse of isotonitazeneis associated with adverse health effects, including numerous deaths. Its high potency and the potential for contamination with other substances increase the risk of overdose. Users are advised to exercise extreme caution and adhere to harm reduction practices.