Is there a difference between DCK and DCK HCL? DCK stands for Deschloroketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic. DCK lacks extensive scientific study, but researchers say it has the potential for managing bacteria, fungi, and viral infections.
DCK is a member of the arylcyclohexylamine group. It gets its name from lacking a chlorine substitution on its phenyl ring, which one can find on ketamine, a similar research chemical. DCK HCL is virtually similar. The HCL stands for hydrochloride.
DCK and DCK HCL are not for human consumption and were designed for research purposes. They should be stored out of the reach of children and animals and in a dry/tight container. One should always wear protective equipment while conducting laboratory experiments with DCK and DCK HCL.
DCK 101
Descholoroketamine (DCK) belongs to the arylcyclohexylamine class of research chemicals. Arylcyclohexylamines are comprised of an amine moiety bound to an aromatic ring attached to a cyclohexane ring. DCK retains a phenyl ring bonded to a cyclohexane ring but with an oxo group (cyclohexanone) in its place. An amino methyl chain then binds to the adjacent alpha carbon of the oxo group ring. This creates the DCK molecule.
DCK is a chiral molecule. It’s categorized as a racemic mixture, meaning it’s composed of equal parts of the opposite enantiomers. One of the first analogues of ketamine, DCK, gets its name from its lack of a functional group. Ketamine has a chlorine substitution on the phenyl ring, whereas DCK does not. In the name “Descholoroketamine,” deschloro means “without chloro.” DCK essentially means “ketamine without the chlorine ring.”
A likely immunosuppressant, we do not recommend DCK for human consumption. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties should be researched carefully and in a laboratory setting.
DCK HCL 101
HCL stands for hydrochloride. DCK HCL is more caustic than DCK, meaning it has a lower PH. HCL forms when hydrogen chloride is dissolved in water. It is a simple diatomic molecule. A polar covalent bond connects the hydrogen and chlorine atom as the chlorine atom is more electronegative when compared with the hydrogen atom.
Converting amines into hydrochlorides is a common way to improve water solubility. This makes HCL ideal for regulating PH, among other uses.
HCL can also be found in the stomach since your body needs it for digestion. But the HCL our bodies make naturally is different from the synthetic chemical. Potential side effects of contact with synthetic hydrochloric acid can include corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus and stomach, pulmonary edema, severe burns, ulceration, corrosion to eyes and skin, and damage to the respiratory tract when inhaled, inflammation, gastritis, chronic bronchitis, dermatitis and photosensitization.
Is there a difference between DCK and DCK HCL?
There isn’t much difference between DCK and DCK HCL. Most DCK on the market is, in fact, DCK HCL.
A more common example would be the difference between cocaine and crack cocaine. In powder form, it is a hydrochloride salt. But if you deprotonate the amine (remove a proton), you get the “freebase” form, also known as crack cocaine.
The substances are more or less the same. So why add HCL?
In its pure form, DCK is an oily, hydrophilic substance. Not exactly crystalline. By adding HCL to protonate one or more of the functional amine groups, we can introduce different polarities to the molecule. This helps the organic substance dissolve in protic solvents and create a substance that is easier to handle.
Does DCK Have Pharmaceutical Potential?
As a substitute arylcyclohexylamine, DCK remains understudied. However, like the compounds it is similar to (like phencyclidine or “PCP”), DCK is considered an NMDA antagonist. This means it works to inhibit the action of specific glutamate receptors.
NMDA receptors allow electrical signals to pass between neurons in the brain and spinal column. But for the signals to pass, the receptor must be open. DCK possibly inactivates the NMDA by blocking the excitatory electrical signals. This disconnection of neurons gives DCK pharmaceutical potential.
NMDA receptor antagonists are commonly used as anaesthetics for humans and animals. Further laboratory research on DCK is necessary before researchers can make any conclusions.
Does DCK HCL Have Pharmaceutical Potential?
Because research on DCK is lacking, it is unknown how hydrochloride changes DCK beyond its chemical makeup. Typically, the addition of HCL does not alter the pharmacological effects.
Again, we can see this with the disparity between “crack-cocaine” and regular powder cocaine. As American psychologist and neuroscientist, Dr. Carl Hart writes,
“From a scientific perspective, any sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine makes no sense. Based on my studies with all forms of cocaine, there are no pharmacological differences between crack and powder cocaine to justify their differential treatment under the law. Both forms of cocaine produce identical effects; these effects are predictable. That is, as the dose is increased, so are the effects, whether they are blood pressure and heart rate OR subjective “high” and addictive potential. The way the drug is taken differs based on its form, however. Crack is smoked, whereas powder is swallowed, snorted, or injected. More intense effects are observed when the drug is smoked or injected, but the drug itself remains the same. To punish crack offences more harshly than powder offences is like punishing more harshly those who are caught smoking marijuana than those caught eating marijuana-laced brownies.”
The difference between DCK and DCK HCL is likely just as trivial. For research purposes in a laboratory, adding HCL makes handling and storage easier.
Are DCK and DCK HCL legal?
DCK’s legal status will depend on where you are. Where DCK is permitted, human consumption is usually prohibited.
DCK is currently illegal in Italy, Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Austria, and the United States. However, the legal status seems to be changing constantly. Please be aware of the ever-changing nature of research chemicals and the laws surrounding them.
Where to Buy DCK and DCK HCL?
At RealChems, they sell premium quality DCK powder. However, we also have spray bottles for easier research possibilities. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase. All products are strictly for research purposes only and not for human consumption. We recommend storing DCK in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
