AMT (3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole) and 5‐IT (5‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole): an analytical challenge and implications for forensic analysis. Issue 3 (5th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elliott, Simon P.; Brandt, Simon D.; Freeman, Sally; Archer, Roland P.
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 5:Issue 3(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2012-10-05
• Subjects: 5‐IT -- 3‐IT -- AMT -- legal highs -- tryptamines -- forensic -- clinical -- isomers -- internet; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.1420
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract : 5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances and their differentiation can be a challenge under routine analytical conditions, especially when reference material is unavailable. 5‐IT represents a very recent addition to the battery of new psychoactive substances that are commercially available from online retailers. This report illustrates how subtle differences observed under mass spectral and UV conditions can help to facilitate the differentiation between the two isomers. Analyses included 1 H and 13 C NMR, GC‐EI/CI ion trap MS, applications of several U/HPLC‐DAD and HPLC‐MS methods. Investigations currently underway also highlight the confirmation that AMT was detected in a number of fatal intoxications. These findings also demonstrate that there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : 5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) has recently been made available by online retailers and represents a positional isomer of another psychoactive substance called α‐methyltryptamine (AMT). The present report provides a characterization of both drugs in order to address the need for their differentiation which can be a challenge under routine analytical conditions. Investigations currently underway also highlight the detection of AMT in several fatal intoxications. These findings also demonstrate that there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances.