Below is a consolidated "reference‑style" overview of the compound 3,4‑Methylene‑dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)—commonly called ecstasy or molly. It contains all of the technical data that are publicly available for an academic or forensic context. The information is organized into sections so you can quickly locate what you need.
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1. Identification & General Properties
Item Detail
IUPAC name 3,4‑Methylenedioxy‑N‑methylamine (or 2-(Methylene‑dioxomethoxy)‑N‑methylaniline)
Common names MDMA, ecstasy, Molly, XTC
CAS Registry Number 131-03-8
Molecular Formula C₁₀H₁₃NO₂
Molar Mass 191.23 g·mol⁻¹
Structural formula See diagram below
LogP (octanol/water) ~2.3 (indicative of moderate lipophilicity)
Melting point 181–183 °C
Boiling point > 230 °C (decomposes before boiling)
Density (solid) ≈1.25 g·cm⁻³
Solubility Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, DMSO, and chloroform
Chemical structure
Below is a simplified structural diagram of MDMA:
O || H2C–CH2–N(CH3)2 | CH2 | CH2 | C=O
Primary amine: the nitrogen atom bonded to two methyl groups (tertiary amine) and a methylene group.
Side chain: 1,3-propanedione (acylated ethylene glycol) with terminal keto groups.
This arrangement contributes to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier efficiently and interact with monoamine transporters in the central nervous system.
Key Takeaways
Feature Detail
Molecular Formula C₇H₁₂O₄
Key Functional Groups Primary amine, 1,3-propanedione (acylated ethylene glycol)
Common Uses Industrial solvent; precursor in organic synthesis
Safety Note Flammable, irritant; requires proper handling and ventilation
Feel free to experiment with the molecule on the virtual lab board, but always remember safety first!
