title: Using isotopic fractionation to link precursor to product in the synthesis of (±)-mephedrone: a new tool for combating "legal high" drugs.
abstract: Several recent deaths in the U.K. have been attributed to "legal high" drugs and in particular to (±)-4-methylmethcathinone ((±)-mephedrone). Recent literature has begun to focus on the chemical analysis of mephedrone and related substituted cathinones and methcathinones; however, no studies involving the application of stable isotope analysis to these compounds has yet emerged. Such studies have, for example, the potential to provide information linking the final products to a particular precursor by the manufacturer. In this study, the use of stable isotope profiling was explored to provide a possible connection between product and precursor chemicals. Six samples each of mephedrone were prepared using precursor chemicals from two different manufacturers, providing 12 samples in total. Synthesis was via a stable intermediate.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, UK. n.nicdaeid@strath.ac.uk
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: NicDaéid
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meier-Augenstein
authors.forename: Helen F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: Oliver B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Sutcliffe
mesh_terms: D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D003903:Deuterium / Q000032:analysis; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine; C548233:mephedrone; D003903:Deuterium; D009584:Nitrogen