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Choi H, Phoulady A, Hoveida P, May N, Shahbazmohamadi S, Tavousi P. Automated, real-time material detection during ultrashort pulsed laser machining using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, for process tuning, end-pointing, and segmentation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290761. [PMID: 38215075 PMCID: PMC10786384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid, high-resolution material processing offered by ultrashort pulsed lasers enables a wide range of micro and nanomachining applications in a variety of disciplines. Complex laser processing jobs conducted on composite samples, require an awareness of the material type that is interacting with laser both for adjustment of the lasering process and for endpointing. This calls for real-time detection of the materials. Several methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) can be used for material characterization. However, these methods often need interruption of the machining process to transfer the sample to another instrument for inspection. Such interruption significantly increases the required time and effort for the machining task, acting as a prohibitive factor for many laser machining applications. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful technique that can be used for material characterization, by analyzing a signal that is generated upon the interaction of laser with matter, and thus, it can be considered as a strong candidate for developing an in-situ characterization method. In this work, we propose a method that uses LIBS in a feedback loop system for real time detection and decision making for adjustment of the lasering process on-the-fly. Further, use of LIBS for automated material segmentation, in the 3D image resulting from consecutive lasering and imaging steps, is showcased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Choi
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Adrian Phoulady
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Pouria Hoveida
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicholas May
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Pouya Tavousi
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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2
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Bazyar H. On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5856. [PMID: 37447704 PMCID: PMC10346202 DOI: 10.3390/s23135856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology and human identification to discriminating and analyzing diverse classes of drugs and explosives. Each aspect is further explained by providing a short summary on general forensic workflow and investigations for body fluid identification as well as through the analysis of drugs and explosives. Microfluidic technology, including fabrication methodologies, materials, and working modules, are touched upon. Finally, the current shortcomings on the implementation of the microfluidic technology in the forensic field are discussed along with the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Bazyar
- Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628CB Delft, The Netherlands
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3
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Anzar N, Suleman S, Parvez S, Narang J. A review on Illicit drugs and biosensing advances for its rapid detection. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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4
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Yen YT, Liu MC, Liu CY, Hung CH, Chen PL, Chyueh SC. Unexpected identification of a bupivacaine analog from smuggling by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis: N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-phenethylpiperidine-2-carboxamide. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 326:110917. [PMID: 34314986 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The identification of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is essential against drug abuse, especially for "new" drugs that are not regulated by international drug conventions. A suspicious powder seized by the officers of Taipei Customs Administration of Taiwan was sent to this laboratory for analysis by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LCHRMS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) with distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) at proton pulses of 45°, 90°, and 135°, two-dimensional correlation NMR measurements (2D_COSY), and heteronuclear single-quantum correlation NMR measurements (2D_HSQC). However, the structure of this "unknown" sample was difficult to identify. Alternatively, single-crystal X-ray crystallography was applied for structural determination after the crystallization of the compound in methanol. The structure was thus identified as N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-phenethylpiperidine-2-carboxamide (NDMPPPC), an analog of bupivacaine with similar pharmacological effects to those of cocaine, ketamine and morphine. The identification of NDMPPPC is in accordance with all mass fragments and NMR signal data, demonstrating that single-crystal X-ray diffraction can be used for structural determination, especially for complicated structures of "new" drugs or "unknown" samples. The seizure of NDMPPPC from smuggling indicates a great potential to become part of the next generation of NPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Yen
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Chun Liu
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Liu
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Hung
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Neihu District, Taipei City 11493, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lin Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - San-Chong Chyueh
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
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5
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Spálovská D, Paškan M, Jurásek B, Kuchař M, Kohout M, Setnička V. Structural spectroscopic study of enantiomerically pure synthetic cathinones and their major metabolites. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj05065b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We present a chiral semipreparative methodology and a comprehensive spectroscopic structural study of three synthetic cathinones and their expected desmethyl metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Spálovská
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
| | - Martin Paškan
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
| | - Bronislav Jurásek
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kohout
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Setnička
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- University of Chemistry and Technology
- Prague 6
- Czech Republic
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6
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Spectroscopic and crystallographic characterization of a new cathinone derivative: 1-phenyl-2-(butylamino)hexan-1-one hydrochloride (N-butylhexedrone). Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, a new cathinone derivative, N-butylhexedrone, emerged on new psychoactive substances (NPS) market in Poland was described and characterized.
Methods
The compound was analyzed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and infrared, Raman, ultraviolet-visible and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic approaches.
Results
We confirmed the presence of the compound in the seized material and obtained detailed and comprehensive physicochemical characterization of N-butylhexedrone—new cathinone derivative available on the NPS market.
Conclusions
In this study, we presented chromatographic, spectroscopic and crystallographic characterization of a new cathinone derivative that emerged on the NPS market in 2019. The obtained analytical data should be useful for forensic and toxicological purposes in quick and reliable compound identification.
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7
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Crystal Structures and Spectroscopic Characterization of Four Synthetic Cathinones: 1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(Dimethylamino)Propan-1-One (N-Methyl-Clephedrone, 4-CDC), 1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(Tert-Butylamino)Propan-1-One (tBuONE, Tertylone, MDPT), 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(Pyrrolidin-1-yl)Hexan-1-One (4F-PHP) and 2-(Ethylamino)-1-(3-Methylphenyl)Propan-1-One (3-Methyl-Ethylcathinone, 3-MEC). CRYSTALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst9110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Every year new synthetic cathinones are flooding the European drug market. They gain more and more popularity in place of cathinones that became illegal. Compounds from both groups, “classic” and “new” cathinones, have a similar chemical structure and, as a consequence, their psychoactive properties are not much different. Cathinone analogs were secured by the police during the search of a suspect’s apartment. The aim of this paper was to present results of analyses and identification of these synthetic cathinones. The structure of new psychoactive substances (NPS) was identified by single-crystal X-ray analysis, solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS and GC-MS.
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Kuś P, Hellwig H, Kusz J, Książek M, Rojkiewicz M, Sochanik A. Crystal structures and other properties of ephedrone (methcathinone) hydrochloride, N-acetylephedrine and N-acetylephedrone. Forensic Toxicol 2019; 37:224-230. [PMID: 30636989 PMCID: PMC6315050 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Three compounds obtained from ephedrine were identified and characterized by various instrumental analytical methods. Ephedrone (methcathinone) hydrochloride and its fundamental derivatives N-acetylephedrine and N-acetylephedrone were analyzed as precursors of a cathinone derivative. Methods The obtained samples were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Results The three compounds were confirmed as: N-methyl-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one (methcathinone) hydrochloride, N-acetyl-N-methyl-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one (cathinone derivative), and N-acetyl-N-methyl-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-ol (acetyl derivative of ephedrine). Conclusions X-ray crystallography is especially useful for identifying the new designer drugs and their different precursor forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kuś
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Silesia, 9 Szkolna Street, 40-006 Katowice, Poland
| | - Hubert Hellwig
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Silesia, 9 Szkolna Street, 40-006 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joachim Kusz
- 2Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, 4 Uniwersytecka Street, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Maria Książek
- 2Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, 4 Uniwersytecka Street, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Rojkiewicz
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Silesia, 9 Szkolna Street, 40-006 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksander Sochanik
- 3Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
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9
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Spectroscopic characterization and crystal structures of two cathinone derivatives: 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-pentan-1-one (4-chloro-α-PVP) sulfate and 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(dimethylamino)-propan-1-one (4-MDMC) hydrochloride salts, seized on illicit drug market. Forensic Toxicol 2017; 36:178-184. [PMID: 29367866 PMCID: PMC5754379 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Two compounds newly found in the seizures by drug enforcement agencies were identified and characterized by various instrumental analytical methods. Methods The obtained powder samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometryn (LC–MSn), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Results The two compounds were tentatively identified as 4-chloro-α-PVP and 4-MDMC by GC–MS, and LC–MS/MS. The confirmation of the results was made by NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystallography gave information that 4-chloro-α-PVP and 4-MDMC were in salted forms with sulfate and hydrochloride, respectively; in addition, both compounds existed as racemic mixtures. Conclusions We could identify 4-chloro-α-PVP and 4-MDMC in the seizure powder samples by various analytical methods. X-ray crystallography was especially useful for identifying the salted forms and enantiomeric forms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11419-017-0381-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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10
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Harper L, Powell J, Pijl EM. An overview of forensic drug testing methods and their suitability for harm reduction point-of-care services. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:52. [PMID: 28760153 PMCID: PMC5537996 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the current opioid crisis around the world, harm reduction agencies are seeking to help people who use drugs to do so more safely. Many harm reduction agencies are exploring techniques to test illicit drugs to identify and, where possible, quantify their constituents allowing their users to make informed decisions. While these technologies have been used for years in Europe (Nightlife Empowerment & Well-being Implementation Project, Drug Checking Service: Good Practice Standards; Trans European Drugs Information (TEDI) Workgroup, Factsheet on Drug Checking in Europe, 2011; European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, An Inventory of On-site Pill-Testing Interventions in the EU: Fact Files, 2001), they are only now starting to be utilized in this context in North America. The goal of this paper is to describe the most common methods for testing illicit substances and then, based on this broad, encompassing review, recommend the most appropriate methods for testing at point of care.Based on our review, the best methods for point-of-care drug testing are handheld infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ion mobility spectrometry; mass spectrometry is the current gold standard in forensic drug analysis. It would be prudent for agencies or clinics that can obtain the funding to contact the companies who produce these devices to discuss possible usage in a harm reduction setting. Lower tech options, such as spot/color tests and immunoassays, are limited in their use but affordable and easy to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane Harper
- University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 Canada
| | - Jeff Powell
- Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Em M. Pijl
- University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 Canada
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11
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McLaughlin G, Morris N, Kavanagh PV, Power JD, Dowling G, Twamley B, O'Brien J, Talbot B, Walther D, Partilla JS, Baumann MH, Brandt SD. Synthesis, characterization and monoamine transporter activity of the new psychoactive substance mexedrone and its N-methoxy positional isomer, N-methoxymephedrone. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:358-368. [PMID: 27524685 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
3-Methoxy-2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (mexedrone) appeared in 2015 and was advertised by UK Internet retailers as a non-controlled mephedrone derivative (2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one), which was of particular interest to countries who operate generic drugs legislation. This study describes the synthesis and analytical characterization of mexedrone and the differentiation from its isomer, N-methoxymephedrone, which was predicted to be a suitable candidate before the identity of mexedrone was revealed. A full analytical characterization is described using various chromatographic, spectroscopic and mass spectrometric platforms and X-ray crystal structure analysis. The analytical data obtained for a vendor sample were consistent with the synthesized mexedrone reference standard and analytical differentiation between the mexedrone and N-methoxymephedrone positional isomers was achieved. Furthermore, α-chloromethylmephedrone was identified as a by-product during mexedrone synthesis. All three substances were also studied for their uptake and releasing properties at dopamine transporters (DAT), norepinephrine transporters (NET) and serotonin transporters (SERT) using in vitro monoamine transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes and compared to mephedrone. Mexedrone was a weak non-selective uptake blocker with IC50 values in the low μM range. It was also devoid of releasing activity at DAT and NET but displayed weak releasing activity at SERT (EC50 = 2.5 μM). The isomer N-methoxymephedrone was found to be a weak uptake blocker at DAT, NET and SERT, as well as a fully efficacious substrate-type releasing agent across all three transporters with EC50 values in the low micromolar range. The synthesis by-product α-chloromethylmephedrone was inactive in all assays. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McLaughlin
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Noreen Morris
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John D Power
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Forensic Science Ireland, Garda HQ, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John O'Brien
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian Talbot
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Identification and derivatization of selected cathinones by spectroscopic studies. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:416-426. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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13
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Wood MR, Bernal I, Lalancette RA. The dangerous new synthetic drug α-PVP as the hydrated chloride salt α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone hydrochloride 0.786-hydrate. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2016; 72:48-51. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053229615023621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), a dangerous designer drug, is now being marketed around the world as a harmless `bath salt', when in reality it is a powerful β-ketone phenethylamine stimulant. A sample of the free base from a recent law-enforcement seizure was crystallized as the HCl salt [systematic name: 1-(1-oxo-1-phenylpentan-2-yl)pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride 0.786-hydrate], C15H22NO+·Cl−·0.786H2O. In the crystal structure, the propyl chain is nearly perpendicular to both the phenyl ring and the carbonyl group. The hydrogen-bonding scheme involves the quaternary N atom, the Cl−anion and the partially occupied (0.786) water molecule, forming centrosymmetric dimers.
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14
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Bunaciu AA, Udriştioiu EG, Aboul-Enein HY. X-Ray Diffraction: Instrumentation and Applications. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2015; 45:289-99. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2014.949616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Zhou MJ, Bouazzaoui S, Jones LE, Goodrich P, Bell SEJ, Sheldrake GN, Horton PN, Coles SJ, Fletcher NC. Isolation and structural determination of non-racemic tertiary cathinone derivatives. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:9629-36. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01306b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper the dynamic resolution of racemic tertiary cathinones is demonstrated through co-crystallization with enantiopure aromatic tartaric acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.-J. Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - S. Bouazzaoui
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - L. E. Jones
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - P. Goodrich
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - S. E. J. Bell
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - G. N. Sheldrake
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
| | - P. N. Horton
- University of Southampton
- Chemistry Department
- EPSRC National Crystallography Service
- Southampton
- UK
| | - S. J. Coles
- University of Southampton
- Chemistry Department
- EPSRC National Crystallography Service
- Southampton
- UK
| | - N. C. Fletcher
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Queen's University Belfast
- Belfast
- UK
- Department of Chemistry
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16
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Wood MR, Lalancette RA, Bernal I. Crystallographic investigations of select cathinones: emerging illicit street drugs known as `bath salts'. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2015; 71:32-8. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053229614025637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The name `bath salts', for an emerging class of synthetic cathinones, is derived from an attempt to evade prosecution and law enforcement. These are truly illicit drugs that have psychoactive CNS (central nervous system) stimulant effects and they have seen a rise in abuse as recreational drugs in the last few years since first having been seen in Japan in 2006. The ease of synthesis and modification of specific functional groups of the parent cathinone make these drugs particularly difficult to regulate. MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is commonly encountered as its hydrochloride salt (C16H21NO3·HCl), in either the hydrated or the anhydrous forms. This `bath salt' has various names in the US,e.g.`Super Coke', `Cloud Nine', and `Ivory Wave', to name just a few. We report here the structures of two forms of the HCl salt, one as a mixed bromide/chloride salt, C16H22NO3+·0.343Br−·0.657Cl−[systematic name: 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentan-1-one bromide/chloride (0.343/0.657)], and the other with the H7O3+cation, as well as the HCl counter-ion [systematic name: hydroxonium 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentan-1-one dichloride, H7O3+·C16H22NO3+·2Cl−]. This is one of a very few structures (11 to be exact) in which we have a new example of a precisely determined hydroxonium cation. During the course of researching the clandestine manufacture of MDPV, we were surprised by the fact that a common precursor of this illicit stimulant is known to be the fragrant species piperonal, which is present in the fragrances of orchids, most particularly in the case of the vanilla orchid. We found that MDPV can be made by a Grignard reaction of this heliotropin. This may also explain the unexpected appearance of the bromide counter-ion in some of the salts we encountered (C16H21NO3·HBr), one of which is presented here [systematic name: 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentan-1-one bromide, C16H22NO3+·Br−]. Complexation of MDPV with a forensic crystallizing reagent, HAuCl4, yields the tetrachloridoaurate salt of this drug, (C16H22NO3)[AuCl4]. The heavy-metal complexing agent HAuCl4has been used for over a century to identify common quarternary nitrogen-containing drugsviamicroscopic identification. Another street drug, called ethylone (3,4-methylenedioxyethylcathinone), is regularly sold and abused as its hydrochloride salt (C12H15NO3·HCl), and its structure is herein described (systematic name:N-{1-[(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)carbonyl]ethyl}ethanaminium chloride, C12H16NO3+·Cl−). Marketed and sold as a `bath salt', `plant feeder', or `cleaning product', this drug is nothing more than a slight chemical modification of the banned drug methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone). As with previously popular synthetic cathinones, the abuse of ethylone has seen a recent increase due to regulatory efforts on previous generations of cathinones that are now banned.
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Strano Rossi S, Odoardi S, Gregori A, Peluso G, Ripani L, Ortar G, Serpelloni G, Romolo FS. An analytical approach to the forensic identification of different classes of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in seized materials. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2014; 28:1904-1916. [PMID: 25088134 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are rapidly spreading worldwide, and forensic laboratories are often requested to identify new substances for which no reference standards or analytical data are available. This article describes an analytical approach that was adopted in Italy by a few collaborative centres of the Italian Early Warning System for Drugs, which has contributed many alerts for the identification of different classes of NPSs in the last 24 months. METHODS Seized crystals and powders were initially analysed via single quadrupole gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), followed by liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) in the positive electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode at 100,000 full width at half maximum resolution (FWHM) without fragmentation to elucidate the elemental compositions of unknown molecules. Different fragmentation voltages during LC/HRMS were applied to study the accurate masses of the obtained characteristic fragments. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were performed to identify specific isomers when necessary. RESULTS Some interesting examples of unknown NPSs from seizures later identified in our laboratories are reported, with special focus on those cases where analytical standards were not available during analyses. These cases include cathinones, such as 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), methylone, bk-MBDB (butylone), 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), flephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and pentedrone, methoxetamine, apinaca or AKB48, benzydamine, meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), 5-MeO-N,N-dialkyl tryptamines, such as 5-MeO-DALT and 5-MeOMIPT, benzofurans, such as 6-APB and 4-APB, and diphenidine (identified for the first time in Europe). CONCLUSIONS The identification of NPSs in confiscated materials was successfully achieved via GC/MS coupled with LC/HRMS and, in a few cases, NMR analyses. The availability of GC/MS libraries is of great assistance in the identification of new drugs. Alternatively, the study of characteristic molecule fragments combined with the determination of their accurate masses can be a useful approach to identify unknown samples not previously analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Strano Rossi
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
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