Sodium 2,4-Dinitrophenolate
Sodium 2,4-dinitrophenolate is the water-soluble sodium salt of DNP, a mitochondrial uncoupler used illicitly for extreme fat loss. It dissipates the proton gradient as heat, producing very rapid weight loss and a narrow, dangerous therapeutic window with a real risk of fatal hyperthermia.
01 Overview
The sodium salt behaves identically to free-base DNP once absorbed, uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation so that energy from substrate oxidation is released as heat rather than captured as ATP. This drives a large rise in metabolic rate and rapid fat loss, which is why it persists in the extreme cutting underground despite being banned for human use.
Its danger is that the same mechanism has no antidote: overdose or heat exposure can cause runaway hyperthermia, and the lethal dose is not far above the 'effective' one. Deaths are regularly reported, making it one of the most dangerous compounds in this space.
02 Mechanism
Acts as a protonophore that shuttles protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis so energy is lost as heat, sharply raising metabolic rate.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illicit cutting | 200–400 mg/day | Oral | Extremely dangerous; narrow margin, no antidote. Documentation only. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid fat lossLarge metabolic-rate increase drives quick fat loss. | Fast weight loss | Observational | |
| Increased metabolic rateMarked rise in resting energy expenditure from uncoupling. | +30-50% or more | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cataracts and neuropathyHistorical use caused cataracts and peripheral neuropathy. | Severe | With repeated use | Clinical | |
| Fatal hyperthermiaRunaway body temperature that can be rapidly lethal, with no antidote. | Life-threatening | Uncommon but often fatal | Clinical |