A survey of amphetamine type stimulant nitrogen sources by isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine what variations exist in δ13C and δ15N values of nitrogen sources used in the clandestine production of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS). A survey of previously reported data revealed a lack of information on the novel nitrogen source hydroxylamine. HCl, which can be utilised in the production of MDA from helional. Samples of nitromethane, nitroethane and hydroxylamine.HCl were collected or synthesised for analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Unlike many other nitrogen sources, nitromethane is an uncontrolled substance with legitimate applications. Nitromethane samples were collected from hobby stores around Brisbane, Australia. An investigation into the synthesis of nitromethane.HCl by the acid catalysed hydrolysis of nitromethane is also presented.The δ15N values for nitromethane (–37.21 to –0.10‰) and hydroxylamine.HCl (–97.87 to +2.19‰) expand considerably on the previously published δ15N values of nitrogen sources. The broad range of δ15N values identified should provide a useful tool in the comparison of ATS, especially when synthesised from the novel precursor helional and utilising hydroxylamine.HCl as a nitrogen source. Relatively consistent δ15N fractionation was observed for hydroxylamine.HCl synthesised from nitromethane.