[2] It is a 3-(tetramethylcyclopropylmethanoyl)indole derivative related to compounds such as UR-144, A-796,260 and A-834,735, but it is not specifically listed in the patent or scientific literature alongside these other similar compounds,[3][4] and appears to have not previously been made by Abbott Laboratories, despite falling within the claims of patent WO 2006/069196.

XLR-11 was found to produce rapid, short-lived hypothermic effects in rats at doses of 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, suggesting that it is of comparable potency to APICA and STS-135.

[5] XLR-11 was instead first identified by laboratories in 2012 as an ingredient in synthetic cannabis smoking blends, and appears to be a novel compound invented specifically for grey-market recreational use.

[6] XLR-11 was banned in New Zealand by being added to the temporary class drug schedule, as of 13 July 2012[update].

[7] The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made XLR11 illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances act for the foreseeable future as of January 2024[update].