Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Identification of Precursors, Intermediates, and Impurities of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine Synthesis

Abstract

The ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra of a number of precursors, intermediates, and impurities of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesis are presented as well as gas-liquid and thin layer chromatographic data. Test results are given on the precursors safrole, isosafrole, and piperonal; the intermediates isosafrole glycol, N-formyl-MDA, and l-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)- 2-nitro-l-propene; the impurities di[l- (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) -2-propyl] amine, di[l - (3,4 - methylenedioxyphenyl) -2- propyl] methylamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyIpropane; and the product MDA. The data are discussed and 2 methods of MDA synthesis are summarized, in which the precursors, intermediates, and impurities are encountered.