Methylen edioxy methamfetamine
Methylen edioxy methamfetamine (MDMA) (Fig. 1A) is the prototypical member of a large series of phenethylamine designer drugs and has become one of the main drugs of abuse in many countries in Northern Europe. Clandestine production is centred largely in Europe. A number of homologous compounds with broadly similar effects, such as methylene dioxy amfetamine (MDA) (Fig. 1B), MDEA (Fig. 1C) and N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-2-butanamine (MBDB) have also appeared, but have proved less popular. These substances are collectively known as the ‘ecstasy’ drugs.
MDMA is the most common drug encountered in ‘ecstasy’ tablets. The tablets are typically 10 mm in diameter, either flat or biconvex, and weigh approximately 200–300 mg. The MDMA content varies, but is generally in the range 30–100 mg per tablet. The tablets normally carry a characteristic logo or imprint. These designs are not restricted to MDMA tablets but may be found on amfetamine and other illicit products. In other words, the logo and other physical characteristics provide no reliable information on the drug content. Many hundreds of different impressions have been found, several examples of which are shown in Figure 2. The main pharmacological effect of MDMA is an increase in secretion and inhibition of re uptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. MDMA causes euphoria, a feeling of empathy, increased energy and tactile sensation. In some cases MDMA can cause mild stimulation and severe stimulation similar to that of cocaine. MDMA can impair judgement, resulting in dangerous behaviour. The short-term health risks associated with taking MDMA include hypertension, hyperthermia and dehydration, while the main long-term effect includes severe depression due to permanent disruption of serotonin production in the CNS.
Synthesis of MDMA Several methods of synthesis can be employed, including:
• an amine displacement method using safrole as the starting material
• a pathway via the intermediate 1 (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanone (MDP2P) with isosafrole or a nitrostyrene as the starting material (Fig.3).
Figure 1 (A) Methylenedioxymethamfetamine (MDMA); (B) methylenedioxyamfetamine (MDA); methyl enedioxyethylamfetamine (MDEA).
Figure 2 Examples of ecstasy tablets showing the different impressions and shapes of illicitly produced tablets. Tablets may be coloured.
Figure 3 Schematic of the main reaction routes used for the synthesis of MDMA. Other routes and variations are possible.
Identifying reaction intermediates and by products can help identify the synthetic route.
