Crystal structure of a host-guest complex between mephedrone hydro-chloride and a tetra-phospho-nate cavitand

A new supra-molecular complex (I) between the tetra-phospho-nate cavitand Tiiii[C₃H₇,CH₃,C₆H₅] [systematic name: 2,8,14,20-tetra-propyl-5,11,17,23-tetra-methyl-6,10:12,16:18,22:24,4-tetra-kis-(phenyl-phospho-nato-O,O')resorcin[4]arene] and mephedrone hydro-choride {C₁₁H₁₆NO⁺·Cl^-; systematic name: meth-yl[1-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]aza-nium chloride} has been obtained and characterized both in solution and in the solid state. The complex of general formula (C₁₁H₁₆NO)@Tiiii[C₃H₇,CH₃,C₆H₅]Cl·CH₃OH or C₁₁H₁₆NO⁺·Cl^-·C₆₈H₆₈O₁₂P₄·CH₃OH, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with one lattice methanol mol-ecule per cavitand, disordered over two positions with occupancy factors of 0.665 (6) and 0.335 (6). The mephedrone guest inter-acts with the P=O groups at the upper rim of the cavitand through two charge-assisted N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, while the methyl group directly bound to the amino moiety is stabilized inside the π basic cavity via cation⋯π inter-actions. The chloride counter-anion is located between the alkyl legs of the cavitand, forming C-H⋯Cl inter-actions with the aromatic and methyl-enic H atoms of the lower rim. The chloride anion is also responsible for the formation of a supra-molecular chain along the b-axis direction through C-H⋯Cl inter-actions involving the phenyl substituent of one phospho-nate group. C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions between the guest and adjacent cavitands contribute to the formation of the crystal structure.

An overview of recent developments in the analytical detection of new psychoactive substances (NPSs)

New psychoactive substances (NPSs), sometimes referred to as "legal highs" in more colloquial environments/the media, are a class of compounds that have been recently made available for abuse (not necessarily recently discovered) which provide similar effects to the traditional well studied illegal drugs but are not always controlled under existing local, regional or international drug legislation. Following an unprecedented increase in the number of NPSs in the last 5 years (with 101 substances discovered for the first time in 2014 alone) its, occasionally fatal, consequences have been extensively reported in the media. Such NPSs are typically marketed as 'not for human consumption' and are instead labelled and sold as plant food, bath salts as well as a whole host of other equally nondescript aliases in order to bypass legislative controls. NPSs are a new multi-disciplinary research field with the main emphasis in terms of forensic identification due to their adverse health effects, which can range from minimal to life threatening and even fatalities. In this mini-review we overview this recent emerging research area of NPSs and the analytical approaches reported to provide detection strategies as well as detailing recent reports towards providing point-of-care/in-the-field NPS ("legal high") sensors.

Emerging drugs of abuse: current perspectives on substituted cathinones

Substituted cathinones are synthetic analogs of cathinone that can be considered as derivatives of phenethylamines with a beta-keto group on the side chain. They appeared in the recreational drug market in the mid-2000s and now represent a large class of new popular drugs of abuse. Initially considered as legal highs, their legal status is variable by country and is rapidly changing, with government institutions encouraging their control. Some cathinones (such as diethylpropion or pyrovalerone) have been used in a medical setting and bupropion is actually indicated for smoking cessation. Substituted cathinones are widely available from internet websites, retail shops, and street dealers. They can be sold under chemical, evocative or generic names, making their identification difficult. Fortunately, analytical methods have been developed in recent years to solve this problem. Available as powders, substituted cathinones are self-administered by snorting, oral injestion, or intravenous injection. They act as central nervous system stimulants by causing the release of catecholamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin) and blocking their reuptake in the central and peripheral nervous system. They may also decrease dopamine and serotonin transporter function as nonselective substrates or potent blockers and may inhibit monoamine oxidase effects. Nevertheless, considerable differences have been found in the potencies of the different substituted cathinones in vitro. Desired effects reported by users include increased energy, empathy, and improved libido. Cardiovascular (tachycardia, hypertension) and psychiatric/neurological signs/symptoms (agitation, seizures, paranoia, and hallucinations) are the most common adverse effects reported. Severe toxicity signs compatible with excessive serotonin activity, such as hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis, and prolonged rhabdomyolysis, have also been observed. Reinforcing potential observed in animals predicts a high potential for addiction and abuse in users. In case of overdose, no specific antidote exists and no curative treatment has been approved by health authorities. Therefore, management of acute toxic effects is mainly extrapolated from experience with cocaine/amphetamines.