α-Methylphenethylamine (amphetamines)

Substituted amphetamines are a chemical class of organic compounds derived from the core phenethylamine structure. Amphetamines carry an additional methyl group on the alpha carbon, the sidechain carbon adjacent to the amine, giving the alpha-methylphenethylamine backbone that defines the family. Individual members vary by substituents on the benzene ring, on the amine nitrogen, and by that alpha-methyl branch, which distinguishes them from the unbranched phenethylamines. Most amphetamines behave as stimulants, though ring substitution can also produce entactogens and psychedelics.