The analysis of substituted cathinones. Part 3. Synthesis and characterisation of 2,3-methylenedioxy substituted cathinones

The first synthesis of the 2,3-isomers of MDPV, butylone and methylone is reported. The isomers were characterised by H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy and compared to the corresponding 3,4-isomers. A GC method is described which separates the 3,4- and the 2,3-isomers from each other. IR spectra of the 2,3-isomers are also compared with the corresponding 3,4- isomers. Two seized drug samples were analysed by GCMS and the samples were found to contain the 3,4-isomers. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.