Synthesis, full chemical characterisation and development of validated methods for the quantification of the components found in the evolved “legal high” NRG-2

Abstract The recent global increase in the abuse of 4′-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and related compounds has developed a requirement for full chemical characterisation of these products. This work presents full synthetic and chemical characterisation data for the hydrobromide salts of two mephedrone derivatives: 4′-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC) and 4′-methyl-N-benzylcathinone (4-MBC) which have been identified in samples of the “legal high” NRG-2. The first fully validated chromatographic methods for the detection and quantitative analysis of these substances both in their pure form and in the presence of a number of common adulterants used in illicit drug manufacture is also reported.