The analysis of substituted cathinones. Part 1: chemical analysis of 2-, 3- and 4-methylmethcathinone

Forensic Sci Int. 2011 Oct 10;212(1-3):6-12. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.04.020. Epub 2011 May 23.

Abstract

The ring substituted methyl isomers of methcathinone, 2-, 3- and 4-methylmethcathinone were analysed. The 2- and 3-isomers were synthesized. The 4-methylmethcathinone isomer is also known as mephedrone and has been widely studied. We present GCMS, NMR and IR data for the three isomers. We show that the three isomers can be separated by GCMS and that the IR spectra for the three compounds can be used to distinguish between them. A seized sample was analysed and it was found to contain 4-methylmethcathinone and benzocaine.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Forensic Toxicology / methods*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / analysis
  • Illicit Drugs / chemistry*
  • Isomerism
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Methamphetamine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methamphetamine / analysis
  • Methamphetamine / chemistry
  • Sampling Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Methamphetamine
  • mephedrone