The Analytical and Pharmacological Characterization of alpha-Benzyl-N-Methylphenethylamine, an Impurity in Illicit Methamphetamine Synthesis.

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a popular drug of abuse, readily synthesized in clandestine laboratories. Illicit synthesis results in various contaminants, one of which is a-benzyl-N-methylphenethylamine (BNMPA). This dissertation investigates the hypotheses that contaminants like BNMPA may contribute to the toxicity of METH and that detection of BNMPNmetabolites in biological fluids may be utilized as markers of illicit METH consumption. Based on metabolic studies of benzphetamine (a structurally similar compound), we predicted the four major metabolites of BNMPA to be N- demethyl-BNMPA, diphenyl-2-propanone, para-hydroxy-N-demethyl-BNMPA para-hydroxy-BNMPA, and diphenyl-2-propanol. We synthesized these compounds and developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry detection method. We confirmed these as true metabolites in humans following ingestion. para-Hydroxy-BNMPA and para-hydrnxy-N-demethyl-BNMPA (as conjugates) were the major metabolites detected.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 27, 1995
Accession Number
ADA303167

Entities

People

  • Karla A. Moore

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amines
  • Brain
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Drug Abuse
  • Health Services
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Medical Personnel
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Seizures

Readers

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