AMT (3-(2-aminopropyl)indole) and 5-IT (5-(2-aminopropyl)indole): an analytical challenge and implications for
Simon P Elliott1, Simon D Brandt, Sally Freeman
1ROAR Forensics, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern, WR14 3SZ, UK. simontox@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract:
5-(2-Aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) and 3-(2-aminopropyl)indole (α-methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances and their differentiation can be a challenge under routine analytical conditions, especially when reference material is unavailable. 5-IT represents a very recent addition to the battery of new psychoactive substances that are commercially available from online retailers. This report illustrates how subtle differences observed under mass spectral and UV conditions can help to facilitate the differentiation between the two isomers. Analyses included (1) H and (13) C NMR, GC-EI/CI ion trap MS, applications of several U/HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS methods. Investigations currently underway also highlight the confirmation that AMT was detected in a number of fatal intoxications. These findings also demonstrate that there is a potential risk of misidentification when dealing with both substances.
