Analytical challenges in identifying NBOMe and NBOH synthetic drugs in the forensic context: a literature review


Abstract

Forensic Chemistry, through chemical knowledge and analytical techniques, has a daily challenge to carry out a correct identification and characterization of New Psychoactive Drugs (NPS), since the production process of these substances is very precarious and contains the presence of interferents and contaminants. In this context, this work aims to review scientific publications that deal with the difficulties and procedures of definitive tests for confirmation of illicit substances in forensic laboratories, with a focus on the class of Phenethylamines, NBOMe and NBOH, derivatives of LSD, which are impregnated on paper stamps. The choice of class is due to the increase in the number of arrests in Brazil confirmed by the last Federal Police report in the year 2021. The research was carried out through platforms with academic productions that were published in the period from 2013 until the production of this article and In the results obtained, 14 articles were found that fit the selected criteria. The results demonstrate 7 analytical techniques that can identify NBOMe and NBOH, however the gas chromatography technique coupled with mass spectroscopy does not perform the correct representation, because NBOH is a thermolabile molecule and requires derivatization in the sample, in this case, it is necessary to use other techniques for a more reliable result. Thus, it is learning that the forensic laboratories were Dutch with different instruments, in order to bring improvements in the forensic work with the construction of truer forensic reports linked to the appropriate training in the academy.

Keywords: Template; Analytical chemistry; New Psychoactive Drugs; Phenethylamines; NBOMe; NBOH.


Keywords

forensic chemistry laboratory
phenethylamines
synthetic drugs
laboratorio de química forense
Fenetilaminas
drogas sintéticas
Laboratório de química forense
Fenetilaminas
Drogas sintéticas

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