The Early History of MDMA
The History of MDMA June 29, 2023 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780198867364.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key points | Argues that MDMA was first synthesized by Merck chemists as an intermediate in a patent-circumventing synthesis of hydrastinine, and that two common myths about its origin are false. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the early history of the molecule MDMA, which was first synthesized by the pharmaceutical company Merck, in search of a synthesis of the blood-clotting agent hydrastinine. As the original synthesis of hydrastinine had already been patented by another company, Merck needed to find an alternative synthesis. After a few failed attempts, the company’s chemists developed a rather complicated synthesis to circumvent the patent. Their new synthesis produced MDMA as an intermediate. Although it had no medical significance itself, Merck’s chemists subsequently resynthesized MDA a few times for specific purposes and conducted animal experiments, without, however, discovering its effects on humans. Two myths about the origin of MDMA often encountered in the literature—that the prominent German chemist Fritz Haber first synthesized MDMA whilst working on his dissertation, and that MDMA had been developed and tested as an appetite suppressant—are discussed and shown to be false.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens | 1986 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Background and Chemistry of MDMA | 1986 | Historical analysis | |
| The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 | 2006 | Historical analysis | |
| Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 79
- Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) on brain serotonin neurons in human beings The Lancet October 1, 1998
- Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Journal of Psychopharmacology October 31, 2012
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
and 74 more in the library