The newest cathinone derivatives as designer drugs: an analytical and toxicological review

Abstract

PurposeCurrently, among new psychoactive substances, cathinone derivatives constitute the biggest group, which are mainly classified into N-alkylated, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-alkylated, N-pyrrolidinyl, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-pyrrolidinyl derivatives. These derivatives are actively being subjected to minor modifications at the alkyl chains or the aromatic ring to create new synthetic cathinones with the goal of circumventing laws. In this review, the new synthetic cathinones that have appeared on the illegal drug market during the period 2014–2017 are highlighted, and their characterization by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry is presented.MethodsVarious key words were used to conduct an extensive literature search across a number of databases, specifically for synthetic cathinones that emerged between 2014 and 2017.ResultsMore than 30 new cathinone derivatives were discovered. The preexisting parental compounds for the new derivatives are also referenced, and their mass spectral data are compiled in a table to facilitate their identification by forensic toxicologists.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the most current review presenting new synthetic cathinones. Political authorities should take measures to implement and enforce generic scheduling (comprehensive system) laws to control the diversely modified synthetic cathinones. Supplementing the existing databases with new findings can greatly facilitate the efforts of forensic toxicologists.

The clinical challenges of synthetic cathinones

“…In 2008, it was first reported to the European Early Warning System by the UK and by Finland, after being associated with adverse health effects . Cathinones are β‐keto derivatives of phenylethylamines/amphetamines which are actively being subjected to minor modifications at the alkyl chains or the aromatic ring to create new synthetic molecules with the goal of circumventing laws . Synthetic cathinones are usually insufflated or swallowed in their powder or crystal forms but can also be administered by injection, smoking, mucosal delivery or injection via intramuscular or other routes …”

“…Cathinones are typically categorised based on either their pharmacological action or properties, or in comparison to traditional stimulant drugs (for a review of the issue, see). Some classifications consider their effects in relation to different substrates or non‐substrate transporter inhibitors .…”

Fatal intoxication with N-ethylpentylone: a case report

“…Similar to amphetamines, synthetic cathinones act on the central nervous system by inhibiting monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine via facilitation of extracellular release and reuptake inhibition [3], which explains reported effects of euphria, increased libido, interpersonal openness, and alertness [9]. Despite structural similarities, synthetic cathinones differ from amphetamines in their affinity against transporters and their mechanisms of function.…”

The mechanism of water loss from protonated cathinones

“…Synthetic cathinones are one of the most numerous group of psychoactive substances widely used in many countries. Their common abuse and the adverse health effects they can cause have led to restriction of their use by legal remedies . Scheme shows the general structure of synthetic cathinones.…”