RCS-4, or 1-pentyl-3-(4-methoxybenzoyl)indole, is a synthetic cannabinoid drug sold under the names SR-19, BTM-4, or Eric-4 (later shortened to E-4), but originally, OBT-199.
Pharmacology RCS-4 is a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist, with EC50 values of 146 nM for human CB1 receptors, and 46 nM for human CB2 receptors. All methoxyphenyl regioisomers, and N-butyl homologues of RCS-4 and its regioisomers also display potent agonist activities at CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Legality RCS-4 was banned in Sweden on 1 October 2010 as a hazardous good harmful to health, after being identified as an ingredient in "herbal" synthetic cannabis products.Swedish Code of Statutes Regulation (2010:1086).Swedish Code of Statutes Regulation (2010:1086). (pdf)
It was outlawed in Denmark on 11 March 2011.
In August 2011, New Zealand added not only RCS-4 but also its 1-butyl homologue, and the 2-methoxybenzoyl isomers of both these compounds, to a temporary class drug schedule (i.e. equivalent to Class C but reviewed after 12 months, and with personal possession and use of small amounts decriminalised), which was newly created under the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2011 passed a week earlier.New Zealand Gazette. Tuesday 9 August 2011. Issue No 122, pp 3365-3366. Departmental Notices. Health. Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Temporary Class Drug Notice.
As of October 2015 RCS-4 is a controlled substance in China.
See also AM-630 AM-679 RCS-8 Pravadoline (WIN 48,098) Structural scheduling of synthetic cannabinoids
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