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‘Smoking’ mephedrone: The identification of the pyrolysis products of 4‐methylmethcathinone hydrochloride
Author(s) -
Kavanagh Pierce,
O'Brien John,
Power John D,
Talbot Brian,
McDermott Seán D
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
drug testing and analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.065
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1942-7611
pISSN - 1942-7603
DOI - 10.1002/dta.1373
Subject(s) - mephedrone , cathinone , chemistry , pyrolysis , hydrochloride , recreational drug , organic chemistry , medicinal chemistry , drug , pharmacology , medicine , amphetamine , dopamine , endocrinology
The ring‐substituted cathinone – mephedrone – has gained popularity among recreational drug users over the past several years. It is generally consumed orally or by snorting but reports indicate that it is also ingested by vaporization/inhalation. This study examines the pyrolysis products produced by heating mephedrone under using simulated ‘meth pipe’ conditions. Thirteen pyrolysis products were identified, the major ones being iso ‐mephedrone, 4‐methylpropiophenone, 4‐methylphenylacetone, two pyrazine derivatives formed by dimerization of mephedrone, N ‐methylated mephedrone ( N , N ,4‐trimethylcatinone), two hydroxylated oxidation products and a diketone. Other minor products formed were identified as 4‐methylacetophenone, two α‐chloro ketones and N ‐methylated iso ‐mephedrone. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.