An analysis of the 'legal high' mephedrone

Analysis of a sample of the methyl-cathinone derivative mephedrone (1) has led to the full unambiguous assignment of the spectral data for this compound. Molecular modelling indicated that the methyl-cathinone series are more hydrophilic and planar than the methyl-amphetamines and these properties may in part explain the toxicity of this drug of abuse.