Structural characterization of the new synthetic cannabinoids CUMYL-PINACA, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of new psychoactive compounds (NPS) that act as agonists at the cannabinoid receptor. First reported in 2008, they currently represent one of the largest groups of NPS that are monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Five samples (4 from the European RESPONSE project and one from daily casework) containing different synthetic cannabinoids were analyzed by a complex of analytical methods including gas chromatography–electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC–EI-MS), liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Five new synthetic cannabinoids containing a cumyl moiety as a linked group were identified: CUMYL-PINACA, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA, CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA. 5F-CUMYL-PINACA and 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA as well as CUMYL-4CN-BINACA and CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA are constitutional isomers and only differ in the position of a nitrogen atom. The article contains all analytical data for a proper identification and differentiation of the five cumyl compounds.