Mass spectrometric properties of N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2,4,6-TMPEA-NBOMe), a new representative of designer drugs of NBOMe series and derivatives thereof

Identification of thermolabile positional isomers of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamines (NBOH series) using chromatography and mass spectrometry methods

Among N-((2-substituted)benzyl)phenylethanamines, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)phenylethanamines are a special type of compounds which are thermolabile and degrade in the course of analysis by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This can lead to substantial errors, in the identification of legally controlled compounds of this series containing methoxy groups at positions 2 and 5 of the benzene ring of the phenylethyl fragment by GC-MS, which is commonly used in forensic and toxicological laboratories. Exemplified by the five isomeric 2-(dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethanamines, it was shown that their derivatization with trifluoroacetic anhydride (same as in the case of the N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-, N-(2-fluorobenzyl)-, N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-, and N-(2-bromobenzyl)substitutes phenylethanamines [NBOMe, NBF, NBCl, and NBBr, respectively] series described earlier) results in only one product, N-monosubstituted derivative, for each positional isomer within a series, which makes it possible to reliably identify each compound by the GC-MS method. In addition, chromatographic conditions for sufficient separation of trifluoroacetyl derivatives of these positional isomers of the NBOH series in 25 min are proposed, which is an important aspect for analysis in forensic laboratories engaged in the determination of narcotic drugs and new psychoactive substances. As an alternative approach, a method for identifying positional isomers of the NBOH series by the high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) method without derivatization is proposed.

Potential of chromatography and mass spectrometry for the differentiation of three series of positional isomers of 2-(dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-halogenobenzyl)ethanamines

N-(2-Substituted benzyl)-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamines often cause severe poisonings which has led to their legal prohibition in many countries. At the same time, their positional isomers can be studied as potential therapeutic drugs. In this regard, the search for various approaches to differentiate these isomers is an important practical task, the solution of which would guarantee from identification errors during laboratory analysis. In this paper, the possibilities of differentiation of isomers varying in the position of two methoxy groups in the phenylethyl part of the molecule are considered on the example of compounds of NBF, NBCl and NBBr series by chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. Gas or liquid reverse-phase chromatography in the proposed chromatographic separation modes has demonstrated their ability to resolve this problem reliably. Data on retention indices of isomeric compounds and their derivatives can serve as an additional identification criterion for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Differentiation of NBF and NBCl isomers using electron ionization (EI) mass spectra is feasible only if both the spectrum of the compound and its N-trifluoroacetyl derivative are registered; differentiation of NBBr positional isomers under these conditions does not require obtaining the derivatives. Using electrospray ion source, the compounds can easily be differentiated based on the distinctive features of their collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra recorded at low energy values, which also does not require the synthesis of derivatives. The data presented in current paper will be useful for analysis in laboratories providing the determination of narcotic drugs.

Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019

This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.

Collaboration of the Joint Research Centre and European Customs Laboratories for the Identification of New Psychoactive Substances

BACKGROUND

The emergence of psychoactive designer drugs has significantly increased over the last few years. Customs officials are responsible for the control of products entering the European Union (EU) market. This control applies to chemicals in general, pharmaceutical products and medicines. Numerous products imported from non-EU countries, often declared as 'bath salts' or 'fertilizers', contain new psychoactive substance (NPS).

REVIEW

These are not necessarily controlled under international law, but may be subject to monitoring in agreement with EU legislation. This situation imposes substantial challenges, for example, for the maintenance of spectral libraries used for their detection by designated laboratories. The chemical identification of new substances, with the use of powerful instrumentation, and the time needed for detailed analysis and interpretation of the results, demands considerable commitment. The EU Joint Research Centre endeavors to provide scientific support to EU Customs laboratories to facilitate rapid identification and characterisation of seized samples. In addition to analysing known NPS, several new chemical entities have also been identified. Frequently, these belong to NPS classes already notified to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) by the European Early- Warning System (EWS).

CONCLUSION

The aim of this paper is to discuss the implementation of workflow mechanisms that are in place in order to facilitate the monitoring, communication and management of analytical data. The rapid dissemination of this information between control authorities strives to help protect EU citizens against the health risks posed by harmful substances.

Distinguishing of 2-MAPB and 6-MAPB: Solution of the problem

Differentiation of new psychoactive substance (NPS), 6-(2-methylaminopropyl)benzofuran (6-MAPB), and its positional isomer, 2-(2-methylaminopropyl)benzofuran (2-MAPB), by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with quadrupole detection is ambiguous. Reliable distinguishing of the two isomers could be achieved by MS/MS spectra recorded after collision-induced dissociation (CID) of precursor ions. Both electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) methods could be used for these purposes.

Analysis of U-47700, a Novel Synthetic Opioid, in Human Urine by LC-MS-MS and LC-QToF

The illicit drug market has rapidly evolved from synthetic cannabinoids to cathinone derivatives and now a new emerging threat of synthetic opioids. These compounds were mostly developed by pharmaceutical companies during drug discovery. The new psychoactive substances are not routinely covered in drug screening and may go undetected. Recently fentanyl analogous, AH-7921, MT-45 and now U-47700 have been encountered in clinical and forensic casework. U-47700 is gaining popularity on drug user forms as a legal alternative to heroin. It is a µ-receptor agonist that is part of the trans-1-2-diamine opioid analgesic drug class developed by The Upjohn Company in an attempt to develop a non-addicting analgesic. A LC-MS-MS method was developed and validated to detect and quantify U-47700. Additional analysis was conducted with an LC-QToF to identify the presence of the parent drug and metabolites. A total of four cases have been evaluated by the LC-MS-MS methodology which has an analytical range of 1-1,250 ng/mL and limit of detection of 1 ng/mL. The concentration of U-47700 in urine specimens ranged from below the limit of quantification to 224 ng/mL. The ToF analysis detected the presence of suspected phase I demethylated metabolites that may assist future analysis of this compound. The prevalence of designer opioids in casework highlights the importance of analysis for new psychoactive substances. Traditional opiates/opioids were not detected in the presented cases, but the available case histories revealed an opioid toxidrome. These findings suggest that U-47700 drug may cause significant morbidity and mortality within the United States as an emerging drug threat.