phenylethylamiinien
Phenylethylamines are a broad class of organic compounds characterized by a phenyl group attached to an ethylamine chain (the basic structure is C6H5-CH2-CH2-NH2). The family includes endogenous biogenic amines as well as many synthetic derivatives. They range from simple trace amines found in small amounts in the body to substituted phenethylamines that act as psychoactive drugs.
In humans, phenylethylamine itself is produced in small quantities from L-phenylalanine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino
Substituted phenylethylamines form a diverse subset with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Some derivatives act
Occurrence in nature is generally limited, and while phenylethylamines occur in small amounts in foods (for
See also: trace amines; monoamine neurotransmitters; phenylalanine.