Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL · 1974 · 22 citations · 0 references
PharmacyToxicologyAnalytical ToxicologySubstance Abuse ToxicologySubstance Use DisordersContaminant AnalysisRelated Substance IdentificationToxicological Drug ScreeningAmphetamine DerivativesIllicit Drug Contaminant AnalysisIllicit Drug DetectionIllicit Drug IdentificationMass Spectrometric Drug AnalysisNew Psychoactive Substances IdentificationNuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies
Abstract Three impurities have been identified in illicit methamphetamine samples. One of these, N-formylmethamphetamine (N-methyl-N-(α-methylphenethyl) formamide), is an intermediate in the synthesis of methamphetamine by the Leuckart reaction. The remaining 2, ,α,α’-trimethyldiphenethylamine and α-benzyl-N-methylphenethylamine, are by-products of methamphetamine synthesis. Ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gas chromatographic- mass spectral techniques were used to identify these compounds. The data obtained are discussed and synthetic pathways are postulated to explain the presence of each compound in samples of methamphetamine.