The identification of 4-methylamphetamine and its synthesis by-products in forensic samples

During the analysis of street samples for the suspected presence of controlled drugs, two samples were found to contain 4-methylamphetamine (4-MA). This is the first report of the drug in Ireland as previously only N-methylamphetamine (N-MA) had been encountered. In Ireland, little attention had previously been paid to the possible presence of the isomeric forms of methylamphetamine in submitted samples. Two street level samples were analyzed and the presence of 4-MA was confirmed in both, the other major components of these samples were examined to establish the possible synthetic route employed. The identification of a single synthetic route which accounted for the major components found in the street samples has implications for previously thought route specific analogous compounds of 4-MA. The three ring substituted isomers of methylamphetamine, namely 2-, 3- and 4-MA, were synthesized and characterized by GCMS, HR-ESIMS, NMR and IR for use as reference standards.