1-(3-CHLOROPHENYL)PIPERAZINE (mCPP) – A NEW DESIGNER DRUG THAT IS STILL A LEGAL SUBSTANCE
Roman STANASZEK, Dariusz ZUBA
Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland
Streszczenie
1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) is a synthetic derivative of piperazine. In most countries mCPP is not a controlled substance listed as an intoxicating or psychotropic substance; however, this compound has been detected in ecstasy tablets seized on the illegal drugs scene. This substance exhibits stimulating and hallucinogenic activity similar to 3,4-methylenodioxy-amphe-ta- mine (MDMA), and its abuse and detection in biological material should be taken into consideration in the course of routine toxicological analyses. The aim of this paper was to develop an analytical procedure for detecting and determining mCPP in materials (tablets, capsules, and powders) seized by the police in narcotics cases. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography were used for identification. Differentiation between two isomers: meta- and para-chlorophenylpiperazine, i.e. 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazine (pCPP) was carried out on the basis of spectrophotometric spectra in the ultraviolet range. The HPLC method was also used to determine the mCPP content in the studied material. The concentration of mCPP in tablets was on average 13.4%, ranging from 6.4% to 19.4%. The concentration of mCPP in powder was 2.2%, but amphetamine was also detected in it at a concentration of 8.1%. In one of the tablets, besides mCPP, metoclopramide was also detected. In spite of the fact that mCPP is not on the list of controlled substances regulated by the Act of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Drug Addiction, it fulfils the statutory definition of a so-called a substitute substance.
Słowa kluczowe
mCPP; Designer drugs; HPLC.