Methamphetamine, chemical synthesis

Ephedrine is an alkaloid, a sympathomimetic amine with molecular formula Cjo Hi5 NOi, a molecular mass of 165.2, and the stmctural name (IR, 25)-2-methylamino-l-phenylpropan-l-ol. This bitter colorless or white solid-crystal is completely soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform, ether, and glycerol. Ephedrine is also produced by chemical synthesis and there is significant documentation of commercial ephedrine production using microbial biotransformation techniques [42]. Ephedrine has a structure close to methamphetamines, and its stimulant actions are comparable to epinephrine (adrenaline), a hormone produces by the adrenal glands that enhances heart rate and constriction of blood vessels in high-stress situations. Medicinal use of ephedrine began around 3000 B.C with the Chinese from md hudng, but its isolation was first reported in 1855 and its pharmaceutical application started in 1930 [22]. Studies on ephedrine s molecular structure show that two asynunetric carbon atoms are involved in ephedrine s molecular skeleton therefore, four optically active stereoisomers forms naturally occur as follows (IR, 2S)-(—)-ephedrine, (IS, 2R)-(+)-ephedrine, (IR, 2R)-( )-pseudoephedrine, (IS, 2S)-(+)-pseudoephedrine (Fig. 27.2). 

Phenyl-2-propanone Used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for the manufacture of amphetamine, methamphetamine and some derivatives used for the synthesis of propylhexedrine. 

Elemental lithium is a catalyst. Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without themselves being consumed during the reaction. In pharmaceutical syntheses, an example is the synthesis of methamphetamine from ephedrine. In the polymer industry, lithium... 

Phenethylamine is found throughout nature, in both plants and animals. It is the end product of phenylalanine in the putrefaction of tissue. One of its most popularized occurrences has been as a major component of chocolate, and it has hit the Sunday Supplements as the lovesickness chemical. Those falling out of love are compulsive chocolate eaters, trying to replenish and repair the body s loss of this compound-or so the myth goes. But this amine is voraciously metabolized to the apparently inactive compound phenylacetic acid, and to some tyramine as well. Both of these products are also normal components in the body. And, as a wry side-comment, phenylacetic acid is a major precursor in the illicit synthesis of amphetamine and methamphetamine. 

This openness of academic laboratories obviously presents tremendous opportunities for unauthorized individuals to gain access to labs to steal chemicals and equipment. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and more generally in the past decade with the increase in illicit drug synthesis (particularly methamphetamines), there has been a heightened awareness nationwide about access to chemicals. Some laws and regulations (described below) have emerged that address this situation. Nonetheless, many academic labs and stockrooms are still relatively unsecure with regard to theft. 

In response to the widespread clandestine synthesis of methamphetamine by this method, the DBA added P2P to Schedule II of the controlled substances list as part of the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) of 1988. The legislation was aimed at impeding clandestine laboratories by cutting off the necessary precursors for methamphetamine as well as other drugs. The act also placed controls on some of the equipment needed for making drugs. For a few years, the number of methamphetamine laboratories that were seized decreased, but the decrease was short lived. Clandestine operations... 

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