Which synthetic stimulant is known for being a component of "bath salts"?

Mephedrone is recognized as a synthetic stimulant that is often associated with "bath salts." Bath salts are a group of recreational drugs that are synthetically produced and chemically similar to cathinone, a substance found in the khat plant. Mephedrone, specifically, is a type of cathinone and has stimulant effects similar to those of amphetamines, producing increased energy, euphoria, and heightened alertness.

The term "bath salts" can refer to various brand-name synthetic drugs, but mephedrone is one of the most commonly known compounds in this category. Unlike cocaine, which is a naturally occurring stimulant derived from the coca plant, or methamphetamine, which is a more potent stimulant but not classified under the "bath salts" label, mephedrone is specifically synthesized for recreational use. Nicotine, while a stimulant affecting the central nervous system, is primarily linked to tobacco products and is not relevant to the category of substances referred to as bath salts. This context clarifies why mephedrone is the correct choice regarding its identification as a component of bath salts.