Analytical methods for psychoactive N,N-dialkylated tryptamines

Many N,N-dialkylated tryptamine derivatives can induce altered states of consciousness in humans. The term “hallucinogen” is often used when describing the effect on the human mind, and the extent of psychoactivity depends on the nature of substituents attached to the ethylamine side chain and the indole ring. Naturally-occurring tryptamines (e.g., N,N-dimethyltryptamine and psilocybin) have increasingly been investigated in human clinical studies, which increased interest within a number of scientific communities and the public. Many of these derivatives are controlled substances and an increasing number of previously unreported and structurally modified N,N-dialkylated “designer” tryptamines with unknown bioactive profiles have become available.This review provides an overview of analytical methodologies published in recent years on detection and characterization of 40 N,N-dialkylated derivatives. The majority of literature available utilized reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and/or capillary electrophoresis. Derivatization was not normally required for sufficient separation and detection.Bioanalytical applications and characterization of natural products have not been included due to space limitations. The majority of analytical data described in the literature indicated the dominance of N,N-dialkylated derivatives carrying a methoxy group or hydrogen at the 5-position of the indole ring. A consistent body of data has been produced and should set the scene for the detection of derivatives in order to inform healthcare providers, clinicians, forensic scientists and potential consumers.