Liquid chromatographic and mass spectral analysis of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propanamines: regioisomers of the 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines.

The title 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propanamines represent positional isomers of the N-substituted 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines, clandestinely produced drugs frequently encountered by forensic laboratories. These propanamines are prepared by reductive amination of 3,4-methylenedioxypropiophenone with a series of N-alkylamines. Analytical methods are developed to distinguish these compounds from the MDA series. The ultraviolet spectra of the propanamines are very similar to those of the MDAs with absorption maxima at 284 and 236 nm. The propanamines are separated under reversed-phase liquid chromatographic conditions by using a C18 stationary phase and a mobile phase of acidic (pH 3) acetonitrile containing methanol and triethylamine. The relative retention properties of these compounds parallel those observed in the MDA series. The electron impact mass spectra of the propanamines are determined by GC-MS, and the fragmentation pattern clearly distinguishes these compounds from those of the MDA series having the same molecular weight.