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Forensic Toxicology

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Open Access 01-01-2018 | Review Article

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

Authors: Milena Majchrzak, Rafał Celiński, Piotr Kuś, Teresa Kowalska, Mieczysław Sajewicz

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Currently, 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.

Methods

Various 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.

Results

More 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.

Conclusions

To 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.

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Title: The newest cathinone derivatives as designer drugs: an analytical and toxicological review
Authors: Milena Majchrzak
Rafał Celiński
Piotr Kuś
Teresa Kowalska
Mieczysław Sajewicz
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Forensic Toxicology / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-017-0385-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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