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25-04-2023 | Original Article

Analytical characterization and differentiation between threo- and erythro-4-fluoroethylphenidate

Authors: Miho Sakamoto, Toshinari Suzuki, Daisuke Teraoka, Kazue Tanaka, Yuki Saeki, Kiyoko Kishimoto, Machiko Nagashima, Jun’ichi Nakajima, Jin Suzuki, Akiko Inomata, Takako Moriyasu, Haruhiko Fukaya

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 2/2023

Abstract

Purpose

Methylphenidate analogs appeared on the drug market during the last years. Its analogs contain two chiral centers and, thus, have potential varying configurations (i.e., threo and erythro forms). This study presents the analytical characterization of 4-fluoroethylphenidate (4-FEP) and its differentiation between threo- and erythro-4-FEP.

Methods

Analysis of the samples included high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography–electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC–EI-MS), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analyses, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis.

Results

NMR spectroscopic investigations confirmed the differences between threo- and erythro-4-FEP, and demonstrated that both isomers could be separated using HPLC and GC methods. Two samples obtained from one vendor in 2019 consisted of threo-4-FEP, whereas the other two samples obtained from a different vendor in 2020 consisted of a mixture of threo- and erythro-4-FEP.

Conclusions

Several analytical approaches including HPLC, GC–EI-MS, HRMS analyses, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis enabled the unambiguous identification of threo- and erythro-4-FEP. The analytical data presented in this article will be useful for identifying threo- and erythro-4-FEP included in illicit products.

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Title: Analytical characterization and differentiation between threo- and erythro-4-fluoroethylphenidate
Authors: Miho Sakamoto
Toshinari Suzuki
Daisuke Teraoka
Kazue Tanaka
Yuki Saeki
Kiyoko Kishimoto
Machiko Nagashima
Jun’ichi Nakajima
Jin Suzuki
Akiko Inomata
Takako Moriyasu
Haruhiko Fukaya
Publication date: 25-04-2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore
Published in: Forensic Toxicology / Issue 2/2023
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-023-00664-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Analytical characterization and differentiation between threo- and erythro-4-fluoroethylphenidate

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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