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Differentiation and identification of 5F-PB-22 and its isomers
Angeline S Y Tang1, Samuel W X Loh1, Hui Boon Koh1
1Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Illicit Drugs Division, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Road, 169078, Singapore.
Abstract:
Quinolin-8-yl 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylate (5-Fluoro-PB-22 or 5F-PB-22; QUPIC N-(5-fluoropentyl) analog), is a synthetic cannabinoid which mimics the effects of cannabis. Several countries have reported numerous detections of this compound and its abuse has led to adverse effects including death. The aim of this study was to separate and identify the fluoropentyl positional isomers of fluoro-PB-22 using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, solid deposition gas chromatography-infrared detection spectroscopy and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data acquired from these multiple techniques can assist forensic laboratories lacking the reference drug standard(s) to identify the specific isomer of fluoro-PB-22 in seized material.
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