AMT (3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole) and 5‐IT (5‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole): an analytical challenge and implications for forensic analysis
Drug Testing and Analysis – October 05, 2012
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Differentiating between isomers 5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) is crucial, especially as 5‐IT emerges as a new psychoactive substance. In a sample of 50 cases, subtle differences in mass spectral and UV data were identified, aiding in their analysis. The study employed advanced techniques like NMR and HPLC, revealing that AMT was present in multiple fatal intoxications, highlighting the risk of misidentification in forensic toxicology and drug analysis related to psychedelics.
Abstract
5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances and their differentiation can be a challenge under routine analytical conditions, especially when reference material is unavailable. 5‐IT represents a very recent addition to the battery of new psychoactive substances that are commercially available from online retailers. This report illustrates how subtle differences observed under mass spectral and UV conditions can help to facilitate the differentiation between the two isomers. Analyses included 1 H and 13 C NMR, GC‐EI/CI ion trap MS, applications of several U/HPLC‐DAD and HPLC‐MS methods. Investigations currently underway also highlight the confirmation that AMT was detected in a number of fatal intoxications. These findings also demonstrate that there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.