Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for Identification of Designer Stimulants Including 2C Amines, NBOMe Compounds, and Cathinones in Urine

Phenethylamine derivatives are being increasingly exploited for recreational use as “designer” stimulants designed to mimic psychostimulant properties of amphetamine or other illicit substances like 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA [ecstasy]). Clandestine operations meticulously design phenethylamines so the user can bypass legal action when detected, as many of these are yet to be regulated by government authorities. Substituted phenethylamines or 2C amines, N-methoxybenzyl derivatives of the corresponding 2C amines commonly known as NBOMe compounds, and cathinones are among the most commonly abused phenethylamines. Current FDA-approved assays used in screening for illicit drug use lack the sensitivity needed to detect designer stimulants making it challenging for toxicologists to accurately identify these compounds. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a sensitive method for identifying designer stimulants. This unit describes and compares two qualitative GC-MS methods for identifying 2C amines, NBOMe compounds, and cathinones in urine. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.