Scientists utilize chiral high-performance liquid chromatography to precisely identify psychoactive cathinones

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Synthetic procedure toward substituted 2-amino-α-tetralones 9a–f. Credit: University of Chemistry and Technology Prague

Researchers at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) have published new research about the synthesis and structural analysis of cyclic synthetic cathinones derived from α-tetralone. The study, led by Prof. Michal Kohout from the Department of Organic Chemistry, provides critical insights into the structural characterization and chiral separation of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). The findings are expected to aid in the regulation and pharmaceutical development of these compounds.

The paper is published in the journal Chirality.

Cathinones, known for their stimulant effects and pharmaceutical potential, continue to emerge in various modified forms, posing challenges for public health and drug regulation. In this study, the authors synthesized new derivatives and determined their absolute configurations using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a circular dichroism (CD) detector.

The novel approach combines experimental on-line data with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, ensuring high accuracy in the structural assignment and enabling further understanding of the 3D conformations of these compounds.

Prof. Michal Kohout commented, "Our research not only identifies the 3D structures of these substances but also provides a reliable methodology for determining their absolute configuration. This is crucial for developing safe and effective pharmaceutical applications based on synthetic cathinones."

The team also noted that these findings could play an instrumental role in speeding up the legal regulation process by providing authorities with precise data to categorize and control these substances.

More information: Martin Paškan et al, Synthesis and absolute configuration of cyclic synthetic cathinones derived from α‐tetralone, Chirality (2024). DOI: 10.1002/chir.23646

Provided by University of Chemistry and Technology Prague