Are beta ketone amphetamine derivatives stable in water

[aced126]

Amphetamine derivatives like MDMA are very stable molecules, and don't undergo any reactions if dissolved in water.

Is this true for the beta ketone equivalents, say methylone as a comparison?

 

[sekio]

I think as long as they're in acidic solution, they're stable. But the cathinones are certainly more susceptible to going off over time than plain phenethylamines.

http://pure.au.dk/portal/files/40454196/TIAFT_lks_2011.06.08_ED.pdf

 

[aced126]

Will it not undergo gem diol formation, and doesn't H+ catalyse this? Or is it that the gem diol exists in minute proportions in equilibrium?

 

[sekio]

The latter is the case. And even if it did form... formation of a geminal diol is a reversible reaction, it won't result in the destruction of the compound.