Determination of the Synthesis Method of "Street" Amphetamine in Forensic Chemical Expert Research

Abstract

Amphetamine is a commonly abused stimulant drug that is often manufactured illegally in clandestine laboratories. Determining the specific synthesis method used to produce seized amphetamine samples can provide valuable information in criminal investigations. This article reviews the primary methods used to synthesize amphetamine and the analytical techniques employed in forensic laboratories to identify synthesis route-specific impurities that indicate the manufacturing method. Key methods covered include reductive amination of phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) using various reagents, the Leuckart reaction, and reductive amination of norephedrine or norpseudoephedrine. Analytical techniques discussed include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.