Simultaneous analysis of 2Cs, 25-NBOHs, 25-NBOMes and LSD in seized exhibits using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: A targeted approach

Abstract

Blotter papers laced with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have been abused traditionally for their hallucinogenic properties. In recent years, new psychedelic phenethylamines such as 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamines (2C) and their N-benzylhydroxy (25-NBOH) and N-2-methoxybenzyl derivatives (25-NBOMe) have emerged in the illicit drugs market. Traditionally, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is regarded as the gold standard for illicit drugs analysis. However, with the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) which are thermally labile (such as the 25-NBOH drugs which undergo thermal degradation to their respective 2C drugs), alternative non-thermal techniques have to be developed in order to prevent misidentification. In this study, a single, targeted, non-thermal analytical method using the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to simultaneously identify these new phenethylamines and their derivatives was developed and validated. Twelve phenethylamines and their derivatives, as well as LSD were simultaneously analysed using the LC–MS/MS in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) detection mode. The method developed was validated and applied for the analysis of phenethylamines and their derivatives commonly found in seized exhibits such as blotter papers and Ecstasy tablets.