Synthetic Cathinones: Recent Developments, Enantioselectivity Studies and Enantioseparation Methods

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Almeida, AS (Author) Other; Silva, B (Author) Other; de Pinho, PG (Author) FCUP; Fernando Remiao (Author) FFUP; Carla Fernandes (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 20

Final page: 2057

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 19 Citations

Scopus - 22 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-CW1

DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072057

Abstract (EN): New psychoactive substances represent a public health threat since they are not controlled by international conventions, are easily accessible online and are sold as a legal alternative to illicit drugs. Among them, synthetic cathinones are widely abused due to their stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. To circumvent the law, new derivatives are clandestinely synthesized and, therefore, synthetic cathinones keep emerging on the drug market, with their chemical and toxicological properties still unknown. In this review, a literature assessment about synthetic cathinones is presented focusing on the recent developments, which include more than 50 derivatives since 2014. A summary of their toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic properties are also presented. Furthermore, synthetic cathinones are chiral compounds, meaning that they can exist as two enantiomeric forms which may present different biological and toxicological activities. To analyze the enantiomers, the development of enantiomeric resolution methods for synthetic cathinones is crucial. Many methods have been reported over the years that include mostly chromatographic and electromigration techniques, with liquid chromatography using chiral stationary phases being the technique of choice. This review intended to present an overview of enantioselectivity studies and enantioseparation analysis regarding synthetic cathinones, highlighting the relevance of chirality and current trends.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 33