Organic impurity profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesised from helional.

Mercieca, AL; Fursman, HC; Alonzo, M; Chadwick, S; McDonagh, AM

Organic impurity profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesised from helional.

Mercieca, AL Fursman, HC Alonzo, M

Chadwick, S

McDonagh, AM

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Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Forensic Sci Int, 2023, 350, pp. 111788
Issue Date:: 2023-09

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Mercieca, AL
dc.contributor.author	Fursman, HC
dc.contributor.author	Alonzo, M https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6308-1635
dc.contributor.author	Chadwick, S https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2006-9841
dc.contributor.author	McDonagh, AM
dc.date.accessioned	2024-01-16T00:36:25Z
dc.date.available	2023-07-17
dc.date.available	2024-01-16T00:36:25Z
dc.date.issued	2023-09
dc.identifier.citation	Forensic Sci Int, 2023, 350, pp. 111788
dc.identifier.issn	0379-0738
dc.identifier.issn	1872-6283
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/174520
dc.description.abstract	The organic impurity profile of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesised from helional via the "twodogs" method was examined to identify route-specific and condition-specific impurities. The synthesis used a condensation reaction, followed by a Beckmann rearrangement, then Hofmann rearrangement, and then conversion to a hydrochloride salt. Two chlorinating agents were investigated for the Hofmann rearrangement reaction, trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and sodium hypochlorite. Three route-specific impurities were identified in MDA using TCCA, and two of these impurities were condition-specific such that the impurities that formed were dependent on the alcohol used as solvent. Three additional impurities were identified as non-route-specific as they have previously been identified in MDA synthesised from 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid or piperonal. These non-route-specific impurities were also identified in MDA synthesised using sodium hypochlorite. No impurities were detected in MDA hydrochloride. This study identified route- and condition-specific organic impurities in MDA synthesised via the "twodogs" synthetic route using helional as starting material. The results in this study provide further understanding into the illicit synthesis of MDA and highlight the expanding nature of precursors used for illicit drug manufacture. It provides valuable information to decision makers to enact legislative measures and restrict precursors of concern.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	Forensic Sci Int
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111788
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.subject.classification	Legal & Forensic Medicine
dc.title	Organic impurity profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesised from helional.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	350
utslib.location.activity	Ireland
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CCET - Centre for Clean Energy Technology
utslib.copyright.status	embargoed	*
utslib.copyright.embargo	2024-09-01T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2024-01-16T00:36:24Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	350

Abstract:

The organic impurity profile of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesised from helional via the "twodogs" method was examined to identify route-specific and condition-specific impurities. The synthesis used a condensation reaction, followed by a Beckmann rearrangement, then Hofmann rearrangement, and then conversion to a hydrochloride salt. Two chlorinating agents were investigated for the Hofmann rearrangement reaction, trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and sodium hypochlorite. Three route-specific impurities were identified in MDA using TCCA, and two of these impurities were condition-specific such that the impurities that formed were dependent on the alcohol used as solvent. Three additional impurities were identified as non-route-specific as they have previously been identified in MDA synthesised from 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid or piperonal. These non-route-specific impurities were also identified in MDA synthesised using sodium hypochlorite. No impurities were detected in MDA hydrochloride. This study identified route- and condition-specific organic impurities in MDA synthesised via the "twodogs" synthetic route using helional as starting material. The results in this study provide further understanding into the illicit synthesis of MDA and highlight the expanding nature of precursors used for illicit drug manufacture. It provides valuable information to decision makers to enact legislative measures and restrict precursors of concern.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/174520