[The early history of "Ecstasy"].
Udo Benzenhöfer, Torsten Passie
Der Nervenarzt January 2006 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-005-2001-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key points | Argues that Anton Köllisch, not Fritz Haber, first synthesized MDMA in 1912 at Merck as a by-product of hydrastinin synthesis, with a patent filed in 1912 and issued in 1914, and no subsequent pharmaceutical testing at that time. |
Abstract
There is no consensus in the literature regarding the early history of MDMA (Methylendioxymethamphetamine, so-called "Ecstasy"). Various authors credit the first synthesis of MDMA to the German chemist Fritz Haber, but it appears neither in his doctoral thesis (Berlin 1891) nor in his accompanying articles. The man who first synthesized MDMA was the chemist Dr. Anton Köllisch, who worked for the German pharmaceutical company Merck. He created MDMA as a by-product while trying to synthesize hydrastinin, a styptic substance. In 1912, Merck filed to patent the applied method of preparation. The patent was issued in 1914, yet no pharmaceutical testing followed at that time.