📖 MDMB-5Br-INACA: CFSRE Analytical Characterization & US Regulatory Status

MDMB-5Br-INACA: Analytical Characterization and Regulatory Status of a Brominated Indazole-3-Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid

Published by the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), May 2022

🧪 Compound Profile

Parameter	Information
Common Name	MDMB-5Br-INACA
IUPAC Name	Methyl 2-[1-(5-bromopentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido]-3,3-dimethylbutanoate
Class	Indazole-3-carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid (SCRA)
Chemical Formula	C₂₀H₂₈BrN₃O₃
Molecular Weight	438.36 g/mol
Structural Features	5-bromopentyl chain at N1 indazole + MDMB amino acid head group

📋 Analytical Data (from CFSRE Monograph)

The CFSRE (Center for Forensic Science Research & Education) published a comprehensive chemistry report on MDMB-5Br-INACA in May 2022. Key analytical findings include:

GC-MS (EI)

• Base peak: m/z 145 (indazole-3-carbonyl fragment)
• Molecular ion not observed; characteristic fragmentation pattern consistent with 5-bromopentyl substitution

LC-QTOF-MS

• [M+H]⁺ = 438.1487 Da (calculated 438.1492 Da)
• Mass error < 2 ppm — confirming molecular formula C₂₀H₂₈BrN₃O₃
• Isotopic pattern confirms bromine presence (1:1 M:M+2 ratio)

NMR (¹H and ¹³C)

• Indazole aromatic protons: δ 7.2–8.4 ppm
• 5-Bromopentyl chain: δ 3.3–4.5 ppm (N-CH₂), 1.3–1.9 ppm (CH₂ backbone), 3.4 ppm (CH₂-Br)
• tert-Leucine methyl ester: δ 1.0 ppm (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃), 3.7 ppm (s, OCH₃), 4.6 ppm (s, α-CH)
• Amide NH: δ 7.8–8.0 ppm (exchangeable)

ATR-FTIR

• Characteristic carbonyl stretches: 1730 cm⁻¹ (ester C=O), 1650 cm⁻¹ (amide C=O)
• N-H stretch: 3300 cm⁻¹

⚖️ Regulatory Status in the United States

MDMB-5Br-INACA is NOT listed as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.) as of the latest DEA scheduling actions.

The compound features a 5-bromopentyl tail rather than the more common 5-fluoropentyl or 4-pentenyl tails found in many scheduled synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA). This brominated variant falls outside the current “cannabimimetic agents” scheduling definitions which predominantly target fluoro, pentyl, and pentenyl analogs.

For context, while many synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are controlled under 21 CFR § 1308.11(h), MDMB-5Br-INACA does not meet the specific criteria of the current scheduling language, as it requires specific structural modifications that do not include the 5-bromopentyl substitution.

🔬 Significance for Research

The bromine atom in the 5-bromopentyl chain serves as a valuable synthetic handle for further derivatization. Unlike the more common fluorinated analogs, the bromine substituent provides:

• A distinct mass spectrometric signature (79/81 Da isotopic doublet)
• Potential for cross-coupling reactions (Suzuki, Buchwald-Hartwig)
• Unique metabolic profile compared to non-brominated analogs

🔗 Related Products

• MDMB-5Br-INACA (Research Chemical) — Cannabinoid receptor agonist for forensic and pharmacological research. Inquire for pricing and bulk orders.
• 1H-Indazole-3-carboxylic acid (CAS 4498-67-3) — Core indazole building block. View product →
• 5-Bromo-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (CAS 1077-94-7) — Brominated indazole building block. Inquire for pricing.
• 1-Bromo-5-fluoropentane (CAS 407-97-6) — Fluorinated alkyl building block.

📖 Reference

Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE). MDMB-5Br-INACA Chemistry Report. CFSRE Monographs, May 17, 2022. CFSRE Chemistry Report (PDF)

Note on regulatory status: The legal status of research chemicals may vary by jurisdiction. Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and summarizes publicly available scientific literature.