A new potent serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, 25I-NBOH, was identified in blotter papers by several state-level forensic laboratories in Brazil. The molecule is labile and fragments into 2C-I during routine GC screening, requiring GC-MS, LC-QTOF-MS, FTIR, and NMR for full characterization. Individual doses range from 300 to 1000 μg. Although it is a potent 5-HT2A receptor agonist, 25I-NBOH is not registered with the UNODC and is controlled only in Sweden and Brazil. This is the first scientific report of 25I-NBOH identification in actual seizures.
A validated method using a modified QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry can detect 51 psychoactive substances and screen for 22 more in oral fluid from electronic dance music party attendees. Storage at -20°C without buffer preserved substances for up to 72 hours with less than 15% loss. Analysis of 62 real samples found MDMA and MDA in 27 samples (concentrations up to 829 ng/mL), cocaine and metabolites in 8 samples, and methamphetamine in 8 samples. Eutylone was detected in two cases where attendees reported taking 'ecstasy.' Comparison with self-reports showed that illicit drug use is often underreported and attendees are frequently unaware of what they consume.