Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of synthesis for methylone HCl, with 3,4-methylenedioxypropiophenone (MDP) as the starting material. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides stereoisomers of methylone. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides phenethylamines or cathinones covalently bound to a chemical moiety in a prodrug form. The presently described prodrug form allows slow/sustained/controlled delivery of the parent phenethylamines or cathinones into the blood system in a manner that would increase the duration of therapeutic efficacy.