http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Analog_Act

I know that newbies can't talk about novel psychedelics but AET was first synthesized in the 1960s so this shouldn't be considered one.

Anyways, isn't AET an isomer of DMT since both are C12H16N2?

In the CSA:

(c) Hallucinogenic Substances
Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation, which contains any quantity of the following hallucinogenic substances, or which contains any of their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation:

They didn't even have to go through the whole federal analog act business, they just needed to say it's Schedule I because it's an isomer of DMT right? (By the way, this is before AET was specifically scheduled)

Not saying I'm a fan of the DEA but still... they could have been a little smarter here

for starters, AET is a primary amine, DMT is a tert-amine, so they're not very similar structurally; and since structure determines function, they would also be different pharmacologically.

yeah but thats for trying to prove if its a non isomer analog,

in this case, its just a straight up isomer (both are C12H16N2).

Thats why im saying they didnt even need to go through the federal analog act; because the controlled substances act already places a ban on isomers...

you're reading too much into it.
the 'isomer' factor in the legislation is purposely left vague for state prosecutors to interpret as they see fit. they are not chemists, they are politicians.

My understanding is a little different. Section 14 of the Controlled Substances Act appears to specifically define "isomers" as stereoisomers not constitutional isomers:


DMT and AET are only constitutional isomers (aka structural isomers). They share the same molecular formula (C12H16N2) but differ in structural formula (arrangement). There are many constitutional isomers with the molecular formula C12H16N2 that have very different pharmacological effects and only some are tryptamines.

Since AET is only a constitutional isomer of DMT and not functionally-similar, the court ruled in the defendants' favor. Congress never clarified the CSA but the DEA has since added AET to Schedule I.