What is DMHA (AKA 2 aminoisoheptane, octodrine, 2-amino-6-methylheptane) and What are the differences between 2-amino-6-methylheptane and 2-amino-5-methylheptane?


Prided upon developing the most effective fitness elevation products at the lowest cost to our consumers, CATEGORY5 relies upon using the most innovative compounds available. One of our staple compounds is the stimulant 2-amino-5-methylheptane, which can be found in our new BCAA Energy Drink HURRICANE. Check out what 2-amino-5-methylheptane is, how it works, and why it is different than all the other DMHA products you see out there

2-amino-5-methylheptane is a 7 carbon chain alkane (In the name “hept” means 7 and the suffix "-ane" signifies it is an alkane which is a chain of carbons bonded by all single bonds) compound that contains a NH2 group on its 2o carbon (2-Amino) and a methyl group (CH3) on its 5o carbon. It is a serious stimulant surrounded by much confusion as many supplements on the market list a compound under the common name DMHA, Octodrine, 2-Aminoisoheptane,or 1,5 Dimethylhexylamine which all actually refer to the 2-Amino-6-methylheptane compound. Although they are both extremely similar in structure, only varying by one carbon their methyl group is located on, they are actually pretty different. They both work as potent stimulants that produce effects similar to the crazed CNS stimulant 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA), however the two different versions are obtained and function differently. The “6 “ form is the chemically synthesized form of the compound that is made in a lab and not extracted from the natural source of Juglans Regia tree bark like the “5” version is. Many places claim that the “5” version is way too costly to use a stimulant in supplements and therefore almost all pre-workouts use the “6” form. However, there are many benefits in using the “5” form which is why we worked hard to supply it to you guys at an extremely reasonable cost! The benefits of the “5” version compared to the “6” include:

  • It is extracted naturally and not chemically synthesized in a lab
  • Is more potent at a less dose (average dose is around 75mg for the “5” form and 150mg for the “6”)
  • Produces nootropic effects that the “6” fails too

2-Amino-5-methylhepane is structurally similar to monoamine releasing agents (“mono”=1, Amine = NH2-this compound contains one NH2 group) which are responsible for increasing levels of monoamines in the body. These monoamines include the “happy” hormone dopamine and also norepinephrine which produces the effects of enhanced alertness and euphoria. The one amine group allows the compound to act on trace amine associated receptor 1's to increase the levels of the two monamines (dopamine + norepinephrine) while also preventing their reuptake from the synaptic cleft into cytsol where they are stored by other cells and cannot interact with receptors to produce their effects; therefore inhibiting the reuptake of these two hormones raises active circulating levels.The methyl-group on the compound has an important function as well as it provides other benefits including:

  • Limits the ability of Monoamine Oxidase (MOA) to bind to the molecule- MOA is the enzyme that breaks down monoamines. Having one methyl group partialy blocks the enzyme from degrading the molecule allowing it to last longer and produce ehanced effects. However, having one methyl group does not block it enough that it produces harmful side effects by being blocked too long. This is the case with amphetamines as they contain 2 methyl groups
  • The methyl group increases the compounds amphiphilic properties (meaning it has both hydrophobic-does not like water and hydrophilic-loves water) which allows the compound to be more soluble in lipids allowing it to cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier more readily where it exerts its effects
  • Causes the compound to interact with target transporters more easily decreasing the amount of monoamine hormones lost in reuptake

2-Amino-5-Methylheptane is a potent stimulant that does compromise the overall health of our athletes. It actually provides beneficial effects as its use requires the ingestion of less caffeine with better energy-producing effects, which over-using caffeine is a common habit in our society today and causes adverse side effects. Try out HURRICANE today and experience the benefits!


  • Andrea

    I am in the SAME EXACT boat as Lisa Potter.^^^ The FDA keeps taking away natural ingredients and supplements that are life savers to me and those I love. I presume the mode of operation there is to line their own pockets because the natural substances actually work and have little to no adverse side effects and they want control over it. Nevertheless, I need to find a source for this ASAP. I was doing so extremely well in a short period of time until Elevate had to take that ingredient out of their coffee. I feel helpless, this was the only thing helping me after an extremely long search and trying everything else.

  • Tiffany deGrandmaison

    I also found 2-amino-5-methylheptane in the chocolavate product like Lisa above.. and i loved it! I don’t tolerate caffeine well, and the 2-amino-5-methylheptane killed my appetite and gave me energy without making me feel shitty, like caffeine does. And yes, it’s correct, the elevate company yanked their product because of the fda and I’ve been desperately searching since. Can you tell me which products contain this – thank you!!!

  • Lindsey

    Can you fail a drug screen by taking any dietary supplements with these ingredients?

  • Lisa Potter

    I have suffered clinical depression most of my adult life. It is very physical. And can happen at anytime. And is not “situational” I can be fine one day and wake up slammed the next. I have a odd metabolism that when tested, it was found out the reason anti depressants don’t work for me is because my body breaks them down only enough to get side effects and not benefits. I stumbled across Elevate coffee in an act of desperation. Happy Coffee. Why not? I have tired everything else. And it has been a miracle for me. And almost as soon as I discovered this miracle coffee, they changed the formula because of the FDA’s decision about 2-Amino 5- Methytheptane being illegal in nutrion products. This has SAVED MY LIFE! And reading this article validates every benefit I have experienced. Can you tell me where and how I can purchase this very important ingredient? I want to buy a lifetime supply. Any help you can provide will be VERY much appreciated.

  • Gregory

    Hello, I m an owner of a walnut orchard with 2400 non-grafted walnut trees in Greece. I would like to ask you, are there any prospects of utilizing the plantation in this direction?
    There is no reason to publish the message. It would be nice to receive a reply to my email.
    Thank you

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