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Identification of N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB) in urine from drug users.

R Kronstrand

Journal of analytical toxicology October 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1093/jat/20.6.512 via PubMed

Summary

The psychoactive substance MBDB, a selective serotonin-releasing agent similar to MDMA (ecstasy), was identified in urine samples from ten people suspected of petty drug offenses in Sweden. MBDB concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 24 micrograms per milliliter. Its metabolite BDB was also detected. In seven of the ten samples, MBDB and BDB were the only ecstasy-type compounds present, though other drugs were found. This appears to be the first report of MBDB abuse in Sweden.

Study at a glance

Characteristics Case study Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 10
Population People suspected of petty drug offences in Sweden
Citations 27
Key finding MBDB, a psychoactive agent similar to MDMA, was identified in urine samples from ten individuals in Sweden, marking the first report of its abuse in the country.

Abstract

The psychoactive agent N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB) was identified in urine samples from ten people suspected of petty drug offences. MBDB is a selective serotonin-releasing agent and the alpha-ethyl homologue of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The presence of MBDB was confirmed by comparing the mass spectra of the urine samples with the mass spectrum of authentic reference substance. Quantitation of MBDB, MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE) was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with trifluoroacetic anhydride as the derivatizing agent. Concentrations of MBDB in urine specimens ranged from 0.1-24 micrograms/mL. The demethylated metabolite of MBDB, 3,4-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (BDB), was also detected in the urine specimens. In seven of the ten samples, MBDB and BDB were the only ecstasy analogues found, but the samples were positive for several other drugs. This appears to be the first report on MBDB as an abused drug in Sweden.

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