Etazene (N,N-diethyl-2-{[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl}-ethan-1-amine (dihydrochloride)): a novel benzimidazole opioid NPS identified in seized material: crystal structure and spectroscopic characterization

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to present the spectroscopic characteristics and crystal structure of the etazene—a benzimidazole opioid, which appeared on the illegal drug market in Poland in the last weeks. Methods: The title compound was analyzed by X-ray crystallography as well as gas and liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Spectroscopic techniques have also been used, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. Results: We presented the identification and the broad chemical characterization of etazene, a synthetic opioid that has recently been introduced on the illegal drug market. Conclusions: In this paper, we described single-crystal X-ray, chromatographic and spectroscopic characterization of a synthetic opioid that emerged on the new psychoactive substance (NPS) market in Poland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first full characterization of etazene. Analytical data presented in the work can be helpful in identification and detection of the NPS in forensic and clinical laboratories.