The synthesis of MDA from helional and characterisation by isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Abstract

Presented here is an investigation into the stable isotopic ratios of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)prepared from the alternative precursor helional. Two methods for the synthesis of MDA were investigated, bothutilising hydroxylamine as the nitrogen source. Recent publications found both helional and hydroxylamine withisotopic compositions significantly different to traditional precursors and nitrogen sources. While minimalfractionation was observed in carbon isotopic compositions, apparent fractionation occurred to hydrogen, ni-trogen and oxygen isotopic compositions during the synthesis of MDA. Fractionation observed in δ15N wereexplained by the reaction conditions during the addition of hydroxylamine. The fractionation observed in δ18Owas consistent with the replacement and loss of an oxygen atom during the synthesis of the amide intermediateand MDA. A brief investigation into isotopic fractionation during MDA hydrogen chloride (HCl) salt precipitationwas also conducted, and additional fractionation may be expected in both δ2H and δ15N during the process,consistent with the proposed mechanism. These results suggest that tactical intelligence can be gained from thebatch-to-batch variations to isotopic composition of MDA during the synthesis from helional.