2-5-dimethoxy-4-n-propylthiophenethylamine and 2-(4-bromo-2-5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine

Workplace drug testing in Australia is usually adherent to one of two standards, AS/NZS 4308:2008 for urine or AS 4760:2006 for oral fluid. These standards prescribe the drugs tested, devices used and testing methodology followed by the testing agency. However, they are not comprehensive and for many years workers have been able to consume novel psychoactive substances to avoid detection and without consequences. Here, we present a validated method for the detection of 32 Synthetic Stimulant and Hallucogenic drugs, commonly sold as bath salts, in oral fluid. These drugs are cathinone, ephedrone, methylone, flephedrone, MDA, PMA, methedrone, TMA, MDMA, butylone, mephedrone, MDEA, MEC, pentedrone, MBDB, MTA, Alpha-PVP, MPBP, 2C-B, MDPV, DOB, 2C-T-2, TFMPP, DOET, 2C-T-7, naphyrone, MDAI, FMA, DMA, 25C-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe and 25T4-NBOMe. Sample preparation was undertaken using a simple protein precipitation in acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved in 7.5 min on a Kinetex F5 column (50 mm × 3 mm × 2.6 μm) using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. The method was validated with limit of detection (1 ng/mL), limit of quantitation (2.5 ng/mL), selectivity, linearity (2.5-500 ng/mL), accuracy (85.3-108.4% of the target concentration) and precision (1.9-14%). This method was applied to 12 samples previously submitted for routine testing and two were found to contain 2-CB and DOB (5 and 4 ng/mL) and, MPBP and TFMPP (both at 4 ng/mL). This method provides for the rapid detection of a large number of compounds in oral fluid which is readily applicable to routine testing laboratories.

Topics: Alkaloids; Anisoles; Australia; Benzylamines; Dimethoxyphenylethylamine; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Methamphetamine; Pentanones; Phenethylamines; Propiophenones; Psychotropic Drugs; Pyrrolidines; Saliva; Substance Abuse Detection

2,5-Dimethoxy-4(n)-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) is a synthetic phenethylamine derivative belonging to the large family of the so-called 2C drugs. These compounds can differ significantly in receptor affinity, potency and duration of action, and an important structural difference is the ligand in the 4 position of the phenyl ring, such as propyl in 2C-P or bromine in 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B). The 2C drugs are known for their hallucinogenic properties. We present a case of a 19-year-old male admitted to the emergency department with severe hallucinations, mydriasis, tachycardia, agitation and confusion following the use of a substance sold as 2C-B. By using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the more potent substance 2C-P was detected and quantified. On the basis of two blood sample concentrations, the estimated elimination half-life was 19 h. This case report illustrates and discusses the differences in potency and duration of action of 2C drugs.

Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Benzodiazepines; Chemical Phenomena; Chromatography, Liquid; Dimethoxyphenylethylamine; Emergency Service, Hospital; Half-Life; Hallucinations; Hallucinogens; Haloperidol; Humans; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Mydriasis; Phenethylamines; Tachycardia; Young Adult