Syntheses,analytical and pharmacological characterizations of the ‘legal high’ 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo) and analogues

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are commonly referred to as ‘research chemicals’, ‘designer drugs’ or ‘legal highs’. One NPS class is represented by dissociative anesthetics, which include analogues of the arylcyclohexylamine phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine and diphenidine. A recent addition to the NPS market was 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo), a morpholine analogue of 3‐MeO‐PCP. Although suspected to have dissociative effects in users, information about its pharmacological profile is not available. From clinical and forensic perspectives, detailed analytical data are needed for identification, especially when facing the presence of positional isomers, as these are frequently unavailable commercially. This study presents the analytical and pharmacological characterization of 3‐MeO‐PCMo along with five additional analogues, namely the 2‐ and 4‐MeO‐PCMo isomers, 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐PCMo (3,4‐MD‐PCMo), 3‐Me‐PCMo and PCMo. All six arylcyclohexylmorpholines were synthesized and characterized using chromatographic, mass spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques. The three positional isomers could be differentiated and the identity of 3‐MeO‐PCMo obtained from an internet vendor was verified. All six compounds were also evaluated for affinity at 46 central nervous system receptors including the N‐methyl‐d ‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), an important target for dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine. In vitro binding studies using (+)‐[3‐³H]‐MK‐801 in rat forebrain preparations revealed moderate affinity for NMDAR in the rank order of 3‐Me >3‐MeO > PCMo >3,4‐MD > 2‐MeO > 4‐MeO‐PCMo. 3‐MeO‐PCMo was found to have moderate affinity for NMDAR comparable to that of ketamine, and had an approximate 12‐fold lower affinity than PCP. These results support the anecdotal reports of dissociative effects from 3‐MeO‐PCMo in humans.     

Identification and analytical characterization of four synthetic cathinone derivatives iso‐4‐BMC, β‐TH‐naphyrone,mexedrone, and 4‐MDMC

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have gained much popularity on the global market over the last number of years. The synthetic cathinone family is one of the most prominent groups and this paper reports on the analytical properties of four synthetic cathinone derivatives: ( 1 ) 1‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1‐(methylamino)propan‐2‐one (iso‐4‐BMC or iso‐brephedrone), ( 2 ) 2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐1‐(5,6,7,8‐tetrahydronaphthalen‐2‐yl)pentan‐1‐one (β ‐TH‐naphyrone), ( 3 ) 3‐methoxy‐2‐(methylamino)‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl)propan‐1‐one (mexedrone), and ( 4 ) 2‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl)propan‐1‐one (4‐MDMC). These identifications were based on liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS), gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, no chemical or pharmacological data about compounds 1–3 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. The Raman and GC‐MS data of 4 have been reported, but this study added the LC‐MS and NMR data for additional characterization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses and analytical characterizations of novel (2‐aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) based stimulants

Two groups of amphetamine‐like drugs with psychostimulant properties that were first developed during the course of scientific studies and later emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) are based on the (2‐aminopropyl)indole (API) and (2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (APB) structural scaffolds. However, sulfur‐based analogs with a benzo[b]thiophene structure (resulting in (2‐aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) derivatives) have received little attention. In the present investigation, all six racemic APBT positional isomers were synthesized in an effort to understand their structure–activity relationships relative to API‐ and APB‐based drugs. One lesson learned from the NPS phenomenon is that one cannot exclude the appearance of such substances on the market. Therefore, an in‐depth analytical characterization was performed, including various single‐ and tandem mass spectrometry (MS) and ionization platforms coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and solid phase and GC condensed phase infrared spectroscopy (GC‐sIR). Various derivatizations have also been explored; it was found that all six APBT isomers could be differentiated during GC analysis after derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and ethyl chloroformate (or heptafluorobutyric anhydride and acetic anhydride) under non‐routine conditions. Discriminating analytical features can also be derived from NMR, GC‐EI/CI‐ single‐ and tandem mass spectrometry, LC (pentafluorophenyl stationary phase), and various infrared spectroscopy approaches (including GC‐sIR). Availability of detailed analytical data obtained from these novel APBT‐type stimulants may be useful to researchers and scientists in cases where forensic and clinical investigations are warranted.     

Return of the lysergamides. Part II: Analytical and behavioural characterization of N6‐allyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (AL‐LAD) and (2’S,4’S)‐lysergic acid 2,4‐dimethylazetidide (LSZ)

Lysergic acid N ,N ‐diethylamide (LSD) is perhaps one of the most intriguing psychoactive substances known and numerous analogs have been explored to varying extents in previous decades. In 2013, N ⁶‐allyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (AL‐LAD) and (2’S ,4’S )‐lysergic acid 2,4‐dimethylazetidide (LSZ) appeared on the ‘research chemicals’/new psychoactive substances (NPS) market in both powdered and blotter form. This study reports the analytical characterization of powdered AL‐LAD and LSZ tartrate samples and their semi‐quantitative determination on blotter paper. Included in this study was the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), low and high mass accuracy electrospray MS(/MS), high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection and GC solid‐state infrared analysis. One feature shared by serotonergic psychedelics, such as LSD, is the ability to mediate behavioural responses via activation of 5‐HT_2A receptors. Both AL‐LAD and LSZ displayed LSD‐like responses in male C57BL/6 J mice when employing the head‐twitch response (HTR) assay. AL‐LAD and LSZ produced nearly identical inverted‐U‐shaped dose‐dependent effects, with the maximal responses occurring at 200 µg/kg. Analysis of the dose responses by nonlinear regression confirmed that LSZ (ED₅₀ = 114.2 nmol/kg) was equipotent to LSD (ED₅₀ = 132.8 nmol/kg) in mice, whereas AL‐LAD was slightly less potent (ED₅₀ = 174.9 nmol/kg). The extent to which a comparison in potency can be translated directly to humans requires further investigation. Chemical and pharmacological data obtained from NPS may assist research communities that are interested in various aspects related to substance use and forensic identification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The identification and analytical characterization of 2,2′‐difluorofentanyl

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have expanded their distribution and become widely available in the global market in recent years. The illicit use of fentanyl and its analogs has become an important worldwide concern linked to their high potency and risk of fatal overdose. This study describes the analytical characterization of a new fentanyl derivative N‐(1‐(2‐fluorophenethyl)‐4‐piperidinyl)‐N‐(2‐fluorophenyl)propionamide (2,2′‐difluorofentanyl). Identification was based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on analytical data for this compound. The most abundant fragment ion in the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum under collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mode was formed by the cleavage between the piperidine ring and the N‐phenyl‐amide moiety of the protonated molecule. Two diagnostic ions in the electron ionization (EI) mass spectrum were formed by the loss of a tropylium ion (M‐91), and by the degradation of the piperidine ring and dissociate of the COC₂H₅ moiety altogether, respectively.     

The complexities associated with new psychoactive substances in influent wastewater: The case of 4‐ethylmethcathinone

Consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is an international problem for health, policing, forensic, and analytical laboratories. The transience of these substances in the community, combined with continual slight structural changes to evade legislation makes the elucidation of NPS an analytical challenge. This is amplified in a matrix as complex as wastewater. For that reason, suspect and non‐target methodologies, employing high resolution mass spectrometry are the most appropriate current tool to facilitate the identification of new and existing compounds. In the current work, a qualitative screening method of influent wastewater using liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry showed a strong signal at m/z 192.1382 – identical to that of two NPS standards that were in our method (pentedrone and 4‐methylethcathinone), and with identical fragment ions, but the retention times did not match. This work shows the methodology followed to identify this compound, highlighting the challenges of the identifying “new” compounds in influent wastewater.     

LC‐MS/MS method for the quantification of new psychoactive substances and evaluation of their urinary detection in humans for doping control analysis

The constant legal adaptation of new psychoactive substances (NPS), challenges their evaluation in different fields. In sports, NPS are prohibited in competition with a reporting limit (RL) of 50 ng/mL for the parent compound or a metabolite. However, there is a lack of comprehensive methodologies and excretion studies for monitoring NPS. This work aims to develop an analytical methodology for the NPS quantification and to evaluate the suitability of monitoring the urinary parent stimulants after NPS misuse. A method for the quantification of 14 common NPS was developed and validated. The method was found to be linear in the range 1–1000 ng/mL, and was shown to be accurate and precise. A lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1 ng/mL was established for all analytes except for benzylpiperazine (5 ng/mL). The method was able to confirm the identity of the analytes at the LLOQ for most NPS. The methodology was applied to the quantification of the parent compound in urine samples collected from an observational study where several healthy volunteers (n ≥ 6 per drug) ingested active doses of mephedrone (MEPH), methylone (MDMC), 2,5‐dimetoxy‐4‐ethylphenetylamine (2C‐E), or 6‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (6‐APB). It was observed that for MDMC and 6‐APB, the quantification of the urinary parent drug at the current RL is a proper strategy for detecting their misuse. However, this strategy seems to be insufficient for evaluating MEPH and 2C‐E misuse. Monitoring the most abundant metabolite of MEPH (4′‐carboxy‐MEPH) and the reduction of the RL to 10 ng/mL for the 2C‐E evaluation are proposed.     

Drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involving 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC), 3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and doxylamine highlighted by hair analysis

Recently, the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to their wide use among clubbers and men who have sex with men (MSM) for their stimulant effects. However, their use in drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has rarely been described. Herein we report a case of a 44‐year‐old man who was assaulted after a party. Due to late reporting of the offense, only hair (black) was sampled 15 days later and a segmental analysis was achieved to look for most DFSA agents and NPS. Twenty mg of each segment (A: 0–1 cm, B: 1–3 cm, and C: 3–5 cm) were incubated in phosphate buffer pH 5.0. After alkaline liquid extraction and chromatographic separation on 1.9 μm Hypersil GOLD PFP column, compounds were detected by a TSQ Vantage mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and doxylamine were found in proximal segment at very low concentrations (3, 5, and 9 pg/mg, respectively) which is in agreement with a single exposure in the previous month corresponding to the alleged facts. These substances were not detected in segments B and C showing a lack of repetitive exposure before the alleged event. Thus, the results do not contradict the patient's claim of being assaulted. Doxylamine has already been encountered in such cases but no publications referring to 4‐MEC or MDPV use have ever been documented. Our case reports the unusual administration of cathinones to achieve a sexual assault and stresses the interest of looking for designer drugs when dealing with DFSA cases.     

Syntheses and analytical characterizations of the research chemical 1‐[1‐(2‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐phenylethyl]pyrrolidine (fluorolintane) and five of its isomers

A number of substances based on the 1,2‐diarylethylamine template have been investigated for various potential clinical applications whereas others have been encountered as research chemicals sold for non‐medical use. Some of these substances have transpired to function as NMDA receptor antagonists that elicit dissociative effects in people who use these substances recreationally. 1‐[1‐(2‐Fluorophenyl)‐2‐phenylethyl]pyrrolidine (fluorolintane, 2‐F‐DPPy) has recently appeared as a research chemical, which users report has dissociative effects. One common difficulty encountered by stakeholders confronting the appearance of new psychoactive substances is the presence of positional isomers. In the case of fluorolintane, the presence of the fluorine substituent on either the phenyl and benzyl moieties of the 1,2‐diarylethylamine structure results in a total number of six possible racemic isomers, namely 2‐F‐, 3‐F‐, and 4‐F‐DPPy (phenyl ring substituents) and 2”‐F‐, 3”‐F‐, and 4”‐F‐DPPy (benzyl ring substituents). The present study reports the chemical syntheses and comprehensive analytical characterizations of the two sets of three positional isomers. These studies included various low‐ and high‐resolution mass spectrometry platforms, gas‐ and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and GC‐condensed phase and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy analyses. The differentiation between each set of three isomers was possible under a variety of experimental conditions including GC chemical ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the [M + H – HF]⁺ species. The latter MS method was particularly helpful as it revealed distinct formations of product ions for each of the six investigated substances.     

Test purchase,synthesis, and characterization of 2‐methoxydiphenidine (MXP) and differentiation from its meta‐ and para‐substituted isomers

The structurally diverse nature of the 1,2‐diphenylethylamine template provides access to a range of substances for drug discovery work but some have attracted attention as ‘research chemicals’. The most recent examples include diphenidine, i.e. 1‐(1,2‐diphenylethyl)piperidine and 2‐methoxydiphenidine, i.e. 1‐[1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐phenylethyl]piperidine (MXP, methoxyphenidine, 2‐MXP) that have been associated with uncompetitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist activity. Analytical challenges encountered during chemical analysis include the presence of positional isomers. Three powdered samples suspected to contain 2‐MXP were obtained from three Internet retailers in the United Kingdom and subjected to analytical characterization by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to various forms of mass spectrometry (MS). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography were also employed. This was supported by the synthesis of all three isomers (2‐, 3‐ and 4‐MXP) by two different synthetic routes. The analytical data obtained for the three purchased samples were consistent with the synthesized 2‐MXP standard and the differentiation between the isomers was possible. Distinct stability differences were observed for all three isomers during in‐source collision‐induced dissociation of the protonated molecule when employing detection under HPLC selected‐ion monitoring detection, which added to the ability to differentiate between them. Furthermore, the analysis of a 2‐MXP tablet by matrix assisted inlet ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry confirmed that it was possible to detect the protonated molecule of 2‐MXP directly from the tablet surface following addition of 3‐nitrobenzonitrile as the matrix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Return of the lysergamides. Part III: Analytical characterization of N6‐ethyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (ETH‐LAD) and 1‐propionyl ETH‐LAD (1P–ETH‐LAD)

The psychoactive properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have fascinated scientists across disciplines and the exploration of other analogues and derivatives has been motivated by deepening the understanding of ligand‐receptor interactions at the molecular level as well as by the search for new therapeutics. Several LSD congeners have appeared on the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market in the form of blotters or powders. Examples include 1‐propionyl‐LSD (1P–LSD), AL‐LAD, and LSZ. The absence of analytical data for novel compounds is a frequent challenge encountered in clinical and toxicological investigations. Two newly emerging lysergamides, namely N⁶‐ethyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (ETH‐LAD) and 1P–ETH‐LAD, were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), low and high mass accuracy electrospray MS(/MS), GC solid‐state infrared analysis, high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Limited analytical data for ETH‐LAD were previously available, whereas information about 1P–ETH‐LAD has not previously been encountered in the scientific literature. This study extends the characterization of lysergamides distributed on the NPS market, which will help to make analytical data available to clinicians, toxicologists, and other stakeholders who are likely to encounter these substances. The analysis of a test incubation of 1P–ETH‐LAD with human serum at 37°C by LC single quadrupole MS at various time points (0–6 h, once per hour and one measurement after 24 h) revealed the formation of ETH‐LAD, suggesting that 1P–ETH‐LAD might serve as a pro‐drug. 1P–ETH‐LAD was still detectable in serum after 24 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses,calcium channel modulation effects,and nitric oxide release studies of O2‐alkyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl) diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate 4‐aryl(heteroaryl)‐1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐nitropyridine‐5‐carboxylates

A group of racemic 4‐aryl(heteroary)‐1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐nitropyridine‐5‐carboxy‐lates possessing a potential nitric oxide donor C‐5 O²‐alkyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate ester [alkyl=(CH₂)_n, n=1–4] substituent were synthesized using a modified Hantzsch reaction. Compounds having a C‐4 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl ( 16 ), 2‐pyridyl ( 17 ), or benzofurazan‐4‐yl ( 20 ) substituent generally exhibited more potent smooth‐muscle calcium channel antagonist activity (IC₅₀ values in the 0.55 to 38.6 μM range) than related analogs having a C‐4 3‐pyridyl ( 18 ), or 4‐pyridyl ( 19 ) substituent with IC₅₀ values > 29.91 μM, relative to the reference drug nifedipine (IC₅₀=0.0143 μM). The point of attachment of C‐4 isomeric pyridyl substituents was a determinant of antagonist activity where the relative potency profile was 2‐pyridyl > 3‐pyridyl and 4‐pyridyl. Subgroups of compounds 16a–d , 17a–d , and 20a–d having alkyl spacer groups of variable chain length [–CO₂(CH₂)_nO–, n=1–4] exhibited small differences in calcium channel antagonist potency. Replacement of the ester “methyl” moiety of Bay K 8644 by an O²‐alkyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate group provided the Bay K 8644 group of analogs 16a‐d that retained the desired cardiac positive inotropic effect. The most potent compound in this group, O²‐ethyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐nitro‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridine‐5‐carboxylate ( 16b , EC₅₀=0.096 μM) is about eightfold more potent positive inotrope (cardiac calcium channel agonist) than the reference compound Bay K 8644 (EC₅₀=0.77 μM). A similar replacement of the ester “isopropyl” group in the C‐4 benzofurazan‐4‐yl group of compounds by an O²‐alkyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate ester substituent provided compounds 20 (n=1 and 4) that were approximately equipotent cardiac positive inotropes with the parent reference compound PN 202‐791 ( 3 , EC₅₀=9.40 μM). The O²‐alkyl‐1‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate ester moiety present in 1,4‐dihydropyridine calcium channel modulating compounds 16–20 is not a suitable ?NO donor moiety because the percent nitric oxide released upon in vitro incubation with either l ‐cysteine, rat serum, or pig liver esterase was less than 1%. Drug Dev. Res. 60:204–216, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine – new designer agent found in athlete urine and nutritional supplement

Reports of new designer agents banned in sport being detected in supplements widely available for athletes are constantly emerging. The task of anti‐doping laboratories is to control athletes for the presence of substances listed by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) and those that are structurally/biologically similar to them. Recently, a new designer stimulant, N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine (NN‐DMPPA), was detected by the WADA accredited anti‐doping laboratory in Warsaw during routine anti‐doping control. The urine samples from four athletes were analyzed in the screening method for stimulants and narcotics and the presence of NN‐DMPPA was detected. The identity of NN‐DMPPA was confirmed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry using a synthesized reference standard. The measured concentrations of NN‐DMPPA were between 0.51 and 6.51 µg/mL. The presence of the NN‐DMPPA compound has been detected in the ‘nutritional supplement’ NOXPUMP that had been purchased in a store in Poland. NN‐DMPPA at 121.7 µg/g was indicated in the investigated supplement together with another banned stimulant β‐methylphenethylamine. The presence of this new stimulant was not indicated on the labelling of the supplement, a situation which is not unusual within this market. Thus, it is important to make athletes aware of the risk related to the use of supplements. Moreover, specific legistation dealing with the commercialization of drugs banned for sport should be undertaken. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and 11C‐labelling of (E,E)‐1‐(3′,4′‐dihydroxystyryl)‐4‐(3′‐methoxy‐4′‐hydroxystyryl) benzene for PET imaging of amyloid deposits†

Carboxylic acid derivatives of the amyloid‐binding dye Congo red do not enter the brain well and are thus unable to serve as in vivo amyloid‐imaging agents. A neutral amyloid probe, (E,E)‐1‐(3′,4′‐dihydroxystyryl)‐4‐(3′‐methoxy‐4′‐hydroxystyryl)benzene ( 3 ), devoid of any carboxylate groups has been designed and synthesized via a 12‐step reaction sequence with a total yield of 30%. The unsymmetric compound 3 has also been labelled with C‐11 via [¹¹C]methyl iodide ([¹¹C]CH₃I) methylation of a symmetric 4,4′‐dimesyl protected precursor followed by deprotection. Preliminary evaluation indicated that compound 3 selectively stained plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in post‐mortem AD brain, and exhibited good binding affinity (K_i=38±8 nM) for Aβ(1–40) fibrils in vitro. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated that [¹¹C] 3 exhibited higher brain uptake than its carboxylic acid analogs and good clearance from normal control mouse brain. [¹¹C] 3 also exhibited specific in vivo binding to pancreatic amyloid deposits in the NOR‐beta transgenic mouse model. These results justify further investigation of 3 and similar derivatives as surrogate markers for in vivo quantitation of amyloid deposits. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phenethylamine‐derived new psychoactive substances 2C‐E‐FLY, 2C‐EF‐FLY,and 2C‐T‐7‐FLY: Investigations on their metabolic fate including isoenzyme activities and their toxicological detectability in urine screenings

Psychoactive substances of the 2C‐series are phenethylamine‐based designer drugs that can induce psychostimulant and hallucinogenic effects. The so‐called 2C‐FLY series contains rigidified methoxy groups integrated in a 2,3,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']difuran core. The aim of the presented work was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro metabolic fate including isoenzyme activities and toxicological detectability of the three new psychoactive substances (NPS) 2C‐E‐FLY, 2C‐EF‐FLY, and 2C‐T‐7‐FLY to allow clinical and forensic toxicologists the identification of these novel compounds. Rat urine, after oral administration, and pooled human liver S9 fraction (pS9) incubations were analyzed by liquid chromatography?high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC?HRMS/MS). By performing activity screenings, the human isoenzymes involved were identified and toxicological detectability in rat urine investigated using standard urine screening approaches (SUSAs) based on gas chromatography (GC)?MS, LC?MSⁿ, and LC?HRMS/MS. In total, 32 metabolites were tentatively identified. Main metabolic steps consisted of hydroxylation and N‐acetylation. Phase I metabolic reactions were catalyzed by CYP2D6, 3A4, and FMO3 and N‐acetylation by NAT1 and NAT2. Methoxyamine was used as a trapping agent for detection of the deaminated metabolite formed by MAO‐A and B. Interindividual differences in the metabolism of the 2C‐FLY drugs could be caused by polymorphisms of enzymes involved or drug–drug interactions. All three SUSAs were shown to be suitable to detect an intake of these NPS but common metabolites of 2C‐E‐FLY and 2C‐EF‐FLY have to be considered during interpretation of analytical findings.     

The prevalence of new psychoactive substances in biological material – a three‐year review of casework in Poland

New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose a challenge for forensic and clinical toxicologists, as well as for legislators. We present our findings from cases where NPS have been detected in biological material. During the three‐year period 2012–2014 we found NPS in 112 cases (out of 1058 analyzed), with 75 cases in 2014 alone. The prevalence of all NPS (15.1–17.6%) was similar to amphetamine alone that was detected in 15.1–16.5% of cases. The new drugs found belonged to the following classes: cathinones (88%), synthetic cannabinoids (5%), phenethylamines (3%), piperazines and piperidines (3%), arylalkylamines (1%) and other (1%). The drugs detected were (in the order of decreased frequency): 3‐MMC (50), α‐pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α‐PVP) (23), pentedrone (16), 3',4'‐methylenedioxy‐α‐pyrrolidinobutyrophenone (MDPBP) (12), synthetic cannabinoid UR‐144 (7), ethcathinone (5), mephedrone (5), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) (4), 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC) (3), buphedrone (3), desoxypipradrol (2‐DPMP) (3), methylone (2) and 2C‐B (2). In single cases, 2‐methylmethcathinone (2‐MMC), 2C‐P, eutylone, 25I‐NBOMe, meta‐chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), ephedrone, methiopropamine (MPA), and 5‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (5‐APB) were found. One NPS was the sole agent in 35% of all cases, and two or more NPS were present in 19% of cases. NPS (one or more) with other conventional drugs (like amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, and benzodiazepines) were detected in most (65%) of the cases. NPS were very often detected in the blood of drivers which was a challenge for toxicologists due to a lack of data on their influence on psychomotor performance. A review of concentrations showed a wide range of values in different types of cases, especially driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and intoxication. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anxiolytic‐like effect of 2‐(4‐((1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐ol is mediated through the benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways

In this study, we proposed the design, synthesis of a new compound 2‐(4‐((1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐ol (LQFM032), and pharmacological evaluation of its anxiolytic‐like effect. This new compound was subjected to pharmacological screening referred to as Irwin test, prior to sodium pentobarbital‐induced sleep, open‐field and wire tests. The anxiolytic‐like effect of this compound was evaluated using elevated plus maze and light–dark box tests. In addition, the mnemonic activity was evaluated through step‐down test. In sodium pentobarbital‐induced sleep test, LQFM032 decreased latency and increased duration of sleep. In the open‐field test, LQFM032 altered behavioral parameter, that suggested anxiolytic‐like activity, as increased in crossings and time spent at the center of open field. In the plus maze test and light–dark box test, the LQFM032 showed anxiolytic‐like activity, increased entries and time spent on open arms, and increased in number of transitions and time spent on light area, respectively. Those effects was antagonized by flumazenil but not with 1‐(2‐Methoxyphenyl)‐4‐(4‐phthalimidobutyl)piperazine (NAN‐190). The LQFM032 did not alter mnemonic activity. Moreover, the anxiolytic‐like activity of LQFM032 was antagonized by mecamylamine. In summary, LQFM032 showed benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways mediated anxiolytic‐like activity without altering the mnemonic activity.     

AMT (3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole) and 5‐IT (5‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole): an analytical challenge and implications for forensic analysis

5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances and their differentiation can be a challenge under routine analytical conditions, especially when reference material is unavailable. 5‐IT represents a very recent addition to the battery of new psychoactive substances that are commercially available from online retailers. This report illustrates how subtle differences observed under mass spectral and UV conditions can help to facilitate the differentiation between the two isomers. Analyses included ¹ H and ¹³C NMR, GC‐EI/CI ion trap MS, applications of several U/HPLC‐DAD and HPLC‐MS methods. Investigations currently underway also highlight the confirmation that AMT was detected in a number of fatal intoxications. These findings also demonstrate that there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4,4′‐DMAR: Chemistry,Pharmacology and Toxicology of a New Synthetic Stimulant of Abuse

In recent years, the spread of new psychoactive substances has dramatically increased in term of availability of both number of compounds and chemical families. In November 2012, 4,4′‐Dimethylaminorex (4,4′‐DMAR), a novel synthetic stimulant, was first detected in the Netherlands. Between June 2013 and June 2014, thirty‐one deaths associated with the consumption of this new drug have been registered across Europe. In this MiniReview, we have summarized the chemical, pharmacological and toxicological information about this new legal high.     

In vitro metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoids CUMYL‐PINACA, 5F–CUMYL‐PINACA,CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA, 5F–CUMYL‐P7AICA and CUMYL‐4CN‐B7AICA

Synthetic cannabinoid consumption trends underlie fast changes and provide several challenges to clinical and forensic toxicologists. Due to their extensive metabolism, parent compounds are hardly detectable in urine. Therefore, knowledge of the metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids is essential to allow their detection in biological matrices. The aim of the present study was the elucidation of the metabolism of CUMYL‐PINACA, 5F–CUMYL‐PINACA, CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA, 5F–CUMYL‐P7AICA, and CUMYL‐4CN‐B7AICA with a focus on the analytical and interpretational differentiation of the compounds. Microsomal assay mixtures containing co‐substrates, 10 μg/mL substrate and 1 mg/mL pooled human liver microsomes were incubated for 1 hour at 37°C. Investigation of the metabolites was performed on a Thermo Fischer Ultimate 3000 UHPLC system coupled to a Sciex 6600 QTOF System. Hydroxylation was observed to be a major biotransformation step for all 5 cumyl‐derivatives, followed by dihydroxylation. For CUMYL‐PINACA, a major metabolic pathway was hydroxylation at the pentyl moiety, followed by a second hydroxylation at that pentyl moiety or oxidation to ketone. A major metabolic pathway for the compounds containing a nitrile function was nitrile hydrolysis followed by carboxylation and further hydroxylation. For the fluorinated compounds, oxidative defluorination and carboxylation were abundant metabolic steps. Some of the metabolic transformations lead to structurally identical metabolites, which should not be used as marker for the intake of a particular parent compound. In addition, several constitutional isomers containing either an indazole or azaindole core structure were detected, which should be differentiated by retention time rather than by their mass spectra alone.