Identification of MDMB-FUBINACA in commercially available e-liquid formulations sold for use in electronic cigarettes

Michelle R Peace; Rose I Krakowiak; Carl E Wolf; Alphonse Poklis; Justin L Poklis

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.031

Identification of MDMB-FUBINACA in commercially available e-liquid formulations sold for use in electronic cigarettes

Forensic Sci Int. 2017 Feb:271:92-97. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.031. Epub 2016 Dec 27.

Authors

Michelle R Peace¹, Rose I Krakowiak², Carl E Wolf³, Alphonse Poklis⁴, Justin L Poklis⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 Floyd Avenue, Room 2015, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. Electronic address: mrpeace@vcu.edu.
² Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 Floyd Avenue, Room 2015, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. Electronic address: krakowiakr@mymail.vcu.edu.
³ Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 Floyd Avenue, Room 2015, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, P.O. Box 980662, Richmond, VA 23298-0662, USA. Electronic address: carl.wolf@vcuhealth.org.
⁴ Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 Floyd Avenue, Room 2015, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, P.O. Box 980662, Richmond, VA 23298-0662, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Room 754, 410 North 12th Street, P.O. Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA. Electronic address: alphones.poklis@vcuhealth.org.
⁵ Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Room 754, 410 North 12th Street, P.O. Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA. Electronic address: justin.poklis@vcuhealth.org.

Abstract

MDMB-FUBINACA (aka MDMB(N)-Bz-F), chemical name Methyl (S)-2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate, a designer drug or a new psychoactive substance (NPS), was identified in three commercially available e-liquids formulated for electronic cigarette use. The e-liquids were evaluated using direct analysis in real time ion source attached to a time of flight mass spectrometer (DART-MS) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to identify active ingredients/drugs, flavorants, and other possible constituents. The e-liquids were also evaluated for alcohol content by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID). The aerosol produced from the e-liquids by use of an e-cigarette was analyzed by solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) to ensure delivery of the active ingredient/drug. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, MDMB-FUBINACA, alcohol content and a flavor profile were determined for each of the e-liquids. MDMB-FUBINACA was determined to be the major active ingredient in all three e-liquids and was successfully detected by SPME-GC-MS in the aerosol generated by a KangerTech Aerotank clearomizer/electronic cigarette.

Keywords: Cannabimimetics; Designer drugs; E-liquids; Electronic cigarette; MDMB-FUBINACA.

Grants and funding

P30 DA033934/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States