Identifiers | |
---|---|
| |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
ChemSpider | |
UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C15H14N2 |
Molar mass | 222.291 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| |
| |
(what is this?) (verify) |
4-NEMD is a potent sedative drug which acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It is closely related to dexmedetomidine but is several times more potent.[1] Like other alpha-2 agonists, it produces sedative and muscle relaxant effects but without producing respiratory depression. It is not currently used in medicine but has been researched as the basis for a potential new generation of alpha-2 agonist drugs,[2][3] which may have selectivity for the different subtypes of the alpha-2 receptor.[4] It has two isomers, with the (S) isomer being the more potent, as with medetomidine.[5] 4-NEMD was also investigated by the United States military as an anaesthetic agent, most likely for use in surgery but possibly also for use as a non-lethal incapacitating agent, although this has not been officially confirmed.[6]