Parahexyl
Encyclopedia
Parahexyl is a synthetic homologue
of THC
, which was invented in 1949 during attempts to elucidate the structure of Δ9-THC, one of the active components of cannabis
.
Parahexyl is similar in both structure and activity to THC, differing only in the position of one double bond, and the lengthening of the 3-pentyl chain by one CH2 group to n-hexyl. Parahexyl produces classic cannabis agonist effects in animals. It has a somewhat higher oral bioavailability than THC itself but is otherwise very similar. Presumably it acts as a CB1
agonist
in the same way as THC but as there has been no research published using Parahexyl since the discovery of the CB1 receptor this has not been definitively confirmed.
Parahexyl was made illegal under UN convention in 1982 on the basis of its structural similarity and similar effects profile to THC, despite never having had any recorded instances of abuse by humans or illicit sale. Parahexyl was placed into the most restrictive Schedule 1 as a compound with no medical use, even though it has never been properly researched to see whether it might have medical use or not.
Homology (chemistry)
In chemistry, homology refers to the appearance of homologues. A homologue is a compound belonging to a series of compounds differing from each other by a repeating unit, such as a methylene group, a peptide residue, etcetera....
of THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol , also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , Δ1-THC , or dronabinol, is the main chemical psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. It was first isolated in 1964. In pure form, it is a glassy solid when cold, and becomes viscous and sticky if warmed...
, which was invented in 1949 during attempts to elucidate the structure of Δ9-THC, one of the active components of cannabis
Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These three taxa are indigenous to Central Asia, and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for fibre , for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a...
.
Parahexyl is similar in both structure and activity to THC, differing only in the position of one double bond, and the lengthening of the 3-pentyl chain by one CH2 group to n-hexyl. Parahexyl produces classic cannabis agonist effects in animals. It has a somewhat higher oral bioavailability than THC itself but is otherwise very similar. Presumably it acts as a CB1
Cannabinoid receptor
The cannabinoid receptors are a class of cell membrane receptors under the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. As is typical of G protein-coupled receptors, the cannabinoid receptors contain seven transmembrane spanning domains...
agonist
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
in the same way as THC but as there has been no research published using Parahexyl since the discovery of the CB1 receptor this has not been definitively confirmed.
Parahexyl was made illegal under UN convention in 1982 on the basis of its structural similarity and similar effects profile to THC, despite never having had any recorded instances of abuse by humans or illicit sale. Parahexyl was placed into the most restrictive Schedule 1 as a compound with no medical use, even though it has never been properly researched to see whether it might have medical use or not.