Deschloroketamine

Deschloroketamine (DCK, 2'-oxo-PCM, O-PCM) is a synthetic dissociative anesthetic of the arylcyclohexylamine class, structurally identical to ketamine except for the absence of the chlorine atom at the 2-position of the phenyl ring. This seemingly modest structural change produces meaningful pharmacological differences: DCK is significantly more potent than ketamine by weight, has a substantially longer duration of action (3–4 hours compared to ketamine's 1–1.5 hours), and is described by community members as producing a somewhat different qualitative experience — deeper, more introspective, and less "floaty" than ketamine.

DCK was among the earliest ketamine analogs to emerge as a research chemical and established much of the community harm reduction framework that would later be applied to other ketamine analogs like 2-FDCK. Community experience is substantial: users describe DCK as offering a "deeper" hole than ketamine at comparable subjective intensities, with a more pronounced cognitive impact and longer recovery time. A community thread specifically addressed and corrected misinformation about DCK's legal status in China, reflecting the active community engagement around this substance.

The primary harm reduction concerns for DCK mirror those for ketamine: bladder toxicity with frequent use, psychological dependence, and the risk of CNS depression in combination with sedatives. The longer duration compared to ketamine means that the window of impairment and risk exposure is extended, and redosing mistakes are more consequential.