Published:Journal of Chromatographic Science, ISSN 0021-9665 Volume 46, Number 5, May/June 2008, pp. 375-380

GC–MS Analysis of Acylated Derivatives of a Series of Side Chain Regioisomers of 2-Methoxy-4-Methyl-Phenethylamines

Tamer Awad, Jack DeRuiter, and C. Randall Clark
Department of Pharmacal Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849

Five side chain regioisomers of 2-methoxy-4-methylphenethylamine constitute a unique set of compounds having an isobaric relationship with the controlled drug substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (3,4-MDMA or Ecstasy). These isomeric forms of the 2-methoxy-4-methyl-phenethylamines have mass spectra essentially equivalent to 3,4-MDMA; all have molecular weight of 193 and major fragment ions in their electron ionization mass spectra at m/z 58 and 135/136. Mass spectral differentiation of 2,3 and 3,4-MDMA from primary and secondary amine regioisomeric side chains of 2-methoxy-4-methyl-phenethylamines was possible after formation of the perfluoroacyl derivatives, pentafluoropropionamides (PFPA) and heptafluorobutyrylamides (HFBA). The mass spectra for these derivatives are individualized and the resulting unique fragment ions allow for specific side-chain identification. The individualization is the result of fragmentation of the alkyl carbon-nitrogen bond yielding unique hydrocarbon fragments of varying mass. Gas chromatographic separation on relatively non-polar stationary phases gave essentially base line resolution for these compounds.

Reproduction of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s permission.

Site Map: Home | Current Issue | Subscribe | Back Issues | About Us | Meetings | Advertising |
| Books for Sale | For the Author | Links | Supplier Info | Search |