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Analytical characterization of “etonitazepyne,” a new pyrrolidinyl‐containing 2‐benzylbenzimidazole opioid sold online
Author(s) -
Blanckaert Peter,
Balcaen Margot,
Vanhee Céline,
Risseeuw Martijn,
Canfyn Michaël,
Desmedt Bart,
Van Calenbergh Serge,
Deconinck Eric
Publication year - 2021
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.3113
Subject(s) - benzimidazole , chemistry , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , chromatography , opioid , stereochemistry , combinatorial chemistry , organic chemistry , biochemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , receptor
This paper reports on the identification and full chemical characterization of the substance colloquially called “etonitazepyne” or “ N ‐pyrrolidino etonitazene” (2‐(4‐ethoxybenzyl)‐5‐nitro‐1‐(2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)ethyl)‐1 H ‐benzo[ d ]imidazole), a potent NPS opioid of the 5‐nitrobenzimidazole class. Identification of etonitazepyne was performed, on a sample purchased during routine monitoring of the drug market, using GC‐MS, HRAM LC‐MS/MS, 1 H NMR, and FTIR. The chromatographic data, together with the FTIR data, indicated the presence of a highly pure compound and already indicated a benzimidazole structure. The specific benzimidazole regio‐isomer was confirmed using 1 H NMR spectroscopy, resulting in the unambiguous identification of etonitazepyne.