N-butyl Pentylone is classified as a novel stimulant and substituted cathinone. Substituted cathinones are modified based on the structure of cathinone, an alkaloid found in the Khat plant. Novel stimulants have been reported to cause stimulant-like effects, similar to amphetamines. Novel stimulants have also caused adverse events, including deaths, as described in the literature.
Structurally similar compounds include N-ethyl pentylone, pentylone, methylone, and butylone. N-ethyl Pentylone, pentylone, methylone, and butylone are Schedule I substances in the United States; however, N-butyl pentylone is not scheduled.