Adrenochrome

IUPAC name 2,3-Dihydro-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-indole-5,6-dione
Identifiers
CAS number 54-06-8
SMILES
Properties
Molecular formula C₉H₉NO₃
Molar mass 179.17 g mol⁻¹
Density 3.264 g/cm³
Boiling point

(decomposes, 115-120 °C)

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Adrenochrome, chemical formula C₉H₉NO₃, is a pigment obtained by the oxidation of adrenaline (epinephrine). Adrenochrome monosemicarbazone, also known as carbazochrome, is a hemostatic, meaning it reduces capillary bleeding.

Schizophrenia hypothesis

Studies in the mid-twentieth century have indicated that adrenochrome is metabolized as one of two other substances, dihydroxyindole or adrenolutin. Dihydroxyindole may balance the anxiety and depression effects of adrenaline to reduce tension and irritability. Defective processing of adrenochrome, however, primarily produces the toxic adrenolutin instead. The adrenochrome hypothesis was developed by Abram Hoffer and Humphry Osmond who found that adrenochrome and adrenolutin disrupted the brain's normal chemical processes resulting in schizophrenia.^{[citation needed]} This hypothesis has long been doubted by those unfamiliar with the research. Hoffer's many books, published over 50 years, explain. "reference, 'The Hallucinogens', by Hoffer & Osmond, 1967'and 'Adventures in Psychiatry: The Scientific Memoirs of Dr. Abram Hoffer, 2005.

Chemistry

Adrenochrome is synthesized in vivo by the oxidation of epinephrine. In vitro, silver oxide (Ag₂O) is used as an oxidizing agent.[1]. Its presence is detected in solution by a pink color, and turns brown upon polymerization.

Psychoactive use

There has been a substantial amount of controversy about whether adrenochrome can be classified as a Psychotropic drug.[2]. According to a work by A. Hoffer and H. Osmond, psychoactive effects of adrenochrome include euphoria, confusion, changed train of thought, and inability to concentrate.[3]

Law

Adrenochrome is uncontrolled in the United States. This means it is generally considered legal to buy, possess, and distribute (sell, trade or give). If sold as a supplement, sales must conform to U.S. supplement laws. If sold for consumption as a food or drug, sales are regulated by the FDA.

International Laws are currently unknown.[4]

In popular culture

Author Hunter S. Thompson mentions adrenochrome in his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In the book it is derived from a living donor's adrenal gland (removing the gland kills the donor; it cannot be taken from a corpse). As such, it is purported to be very exotic, and very intense: "the first wave felt like a combination of mescaline and methedrine". Thompson reported a significant perceived rise in body temperature that led to paralysis. The adrenochrome scene also appears in the novel's film adaptation. In the DVD commentary, director Terry Gilliam admits that his and Thompson's portrayal is fictional hyperbole. In fact, Gilliam insists that the drug is entirely fictional and seems unaware of the existence of a substance with even a similar name.

Adrenochrome is referenced in the British Independent Television detective series Lewis, in the episode entitled "Whom the Gods Would Destroy". The theory that the story puts forth is that adrenochrome in its purest form can come only from a human source, and the process of removing it is fatal to the victim.

It has a brief mention in A Clockwork Orange but is referred to as drencrom, and is administered in milk in the Korova Milk Bar.

The band The Sisters of Mercy song Adrenochrome features the lyrics "The sisters of mercy/High tide, Wide eyed/Sped on adrenochrome./For the sisters of mercy/Filled with Panic in their eyes/Rise/Dead on adrenochrome".

References

1. ^ MacCarthy, Chim, Ind. Paris 55,435(1946)
2. ^ http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/adrenochrome/adrenochrome.shtml
3. ^ Hoffer, A. and Osmond, H. The Hallucinogens (Academic Press, 1967).
4. ^ www.erowid.org

External links

• Adrenochrome Commentary at erowid.org
• Adrenochrome deposits resulting from the use of epinephrine-containing eye drops used to treat glaucoma from the Iowa Eye Atlas (searched for diagnosis = adrenochrome)