Phenylacetone (1-phenyl-2-probanone) is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, characteristic odor. Phenylacetone is used in the chemical industry for synthesis purposes; by means of reductive amination, amphetamine can be produced from it. It is both a synthesis by-product and a potential extender; the powdered amphetamine sulfate can be reliquefied and the product sold as amphetamine paste.
Little is known about the pharmacological effects of phenylacetone.
Phenylacetone is highly flammable and toxic. The substance is also irritating to the skin and mucous membranes (e.g. nose).
Each synthesis impurity represents an unknown health risk: the properties hazardous to health have never been scientifically studied and are therefore difficult to estimate. The more different synthesis impurities are contained in a sample, the greater the probability that an impurity with a high adverse health effect is among them. Even a small amount of such an impurity can be harmful. In addition, synthetic impurities are an indication of improper manufacturing/purification. It is also important to add that regular use of amphetamine with synthetic impurities poses a higher health risk than one-time use.