Application of analytical methods for the structural characterization and purity assessment of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a potent psychedelic agent isolated from Mimosa tenuiflora inner barks
Alain Gaujac, Sabrina Teixeira Martinez, Arão Araújo Gomes, Sandro José de Andrade, Ângelo Da Cunha Pinto, Jorge M. David, Sandro Navickiene, Jaílson B. de Andrade
Microchemical Journal April 5, 2012 DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2012.03.033 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA simple and fast method was developed to extract N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from the inner bark of Mimosa tenuiflora, producing a high-purity (>95%) analytical standard for chromatography. The extracted DMT was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and melting point measurements, all of which matched previous literature. This method addresses the difficulty of acquiring DMT, a banned substance in most countries, for use as a reference standard in analytical chemistry. In Brazil, DMT is a controlled drug, though the DMT-rich beverage ayahuasca is legally consumed in religious contexts.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Method development and characterization Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Context archaeology Chemistry Mass spectrometry Designer drug |
| Citations | 34 |
| Key finding | DMT of >95% purity can be reliably extracted from Mimosa tenuiflora inner bark using a simple and fast method suitable for producing a chromatographic analytical standard. |
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychoactive indole alkaloid present in beverages consumed in religious ceremonies and in neo-shamanic rituals all around the world. It is a substance banned in most countries, which makes its acquisition difficult. In Brazil, a beverage rich in DMT named ayahuasca is legally consumed in a religious context. On the other hand, DMT is a controlled drug, enforced by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária). The present study describes a simple and fast method to obtain N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from inner barks of Mimosa tenuiflora for the purpose of using it as a chromatographic analytical standard. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), single and tandem stage mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR) and melting point measurements were performed for the structural characterization of N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The results obtained were in agreement with previous literature reports. The purity of the compound (> 95%) was determined using ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrometry with a tryptamine analytical standard.