γ-Hydroxyvaleric acid (GHV), also known as 4-methyl-GHB, is a
designer drug
A designer drug is a structural or functional analog of a controlled substance that has been designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug, while avoiding classification as illegal and/or detection in standard drug tests. Des ...
related to
γ-hydroxybutyric acid
''gamma''-Hydroxybutyric acid (or γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid) is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and a depressant drug. It is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas. ...
(GHB). It is sometimes seen on the
grey market
A grey market or dark market (sometimes confused with the similar term " parallel market") is the trade of a commodity through distribution channels that are not authorized by the original manufacturer or trade mark proprietor. Grey market pr ...
as a
legal
Law is a set of rules that are created and are enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. It has been vario ...
alternative to GHB, but with lower potency and higher toxicity,
properties which have tended to limit its recreational use.
γ-Valerolactone
γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is an organic compound with the chemical formula, formula C5H8O2. This colourless liquid is one of the more common lactones. GVL is chiral but is usually used as the racemate. It is readily obtained from cellulosic biomass ...
(GVL) acts as a
prodrug
A prodrug is a medication or compound that, after intake, is metabolized (i.e., converted within the body) into a pharmacologically active drug. Instead of administering a drug directly, a corresponding prodrug can be used to improve how the drug ...
to GHV, analogously to how
γ-butyrolactone (GBL) is a prodrug to GHB.
See also
*
1,4-Butanediol
1,4-Butanediol, colloquially known as BD or BDO, is a primary alcohol, and an organic compound, with the formula HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH. It is a colorless viscous liquid. It is one of four stable isomers of butanediol.
Synthesis
In industrial sy ...
(1-4-BD)
*
Aceburic acid
*
Valerenic acid
Valerenic acid is a sesquiterpenoid constituent of the essential oil of the valerian plant.
Valerian is used as a herbal sedative which may be helpful in the treatment of insomnia. Valerenic acid may be at least partly responsible for valeri ...
*
Valeric acid
Valeric acid or pentanoic acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula . Like other low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, it has an unpleasant odor. It is found in the perennial flowering plant ''Valeriana officina ...
References
Hydroxy acids
GABAB receptor agonists
GHB receptor agonists
Designer drugs
Euphoriants
Hypnotics
{{nervous-system-drug-stub