Identification of N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB) in urine from drug users

The psychoactive agent N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB) was identified in urine samples from ten people suspected of petty drug offences. MBDB is a selective serotonin-releasing agent and the alpha-ethyl homologue of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The presence of MBDB was confirmed by comparing the mass spectra of the urine samples with the mass spectrum of authentic reference substance. Quantitation of MBDB, MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE) was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with trifluoroacetic anhydride as the derivatizing agent. Concentrations of MBDB in urine specimens ranged from 0.1-24 micrograms/mL. The demethylated metabolite of MBDB, 3,4-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (BDB), was also detected in the urine specimens. In seven of the ten samples, MBDB and BDB were the only ecstasy analogues found, but the samples were positive for several other drugs. This appears to be the first report on MBDB as an abused drug in Sweden.