This EUDA Precursor Assessment Report examines the evidence on 3′-methylpropiophenone, evaluating its licit use in the EU and the extent of its use in illicit production.

3′-Methylpropiophenone is a chemical precursor used for the production of 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) - a synthetic cathinone stimulant drug that has been present in the drug market in the European Union (EU) since at least 2012. 3-MMC has been under EU control since 2022 and international control since 2023. The appearance of 3-MMC on the drug market coincided with the control of mephedrone (4-MMC) in Europe and, it appears that the substance was introduced in the market as a non-controlled alternative to 4-MMC (EMCDDA, 2022). Seizures of 3-MMC in the EU included a large multi-tonne incident shipped from India.