N-isopropylbenzylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine, has been used to adulterate methamphetamine, and distributed as fake “Ice” methamphetamine by illicit manufacturers, leading to a world problem of N-isopropylbenzylamine exposure.

Uses

N-isopropylbenzylamine is originally used as a precursor or intermediate in chemical industry (Xia et al., 2002). Moreover, N-isopropylbenzylamine is an isomer of methamphetamine and has the similar appearance and physical properties as methamphetamine. Therefore, this chemical was used to mimic methamphetamine in underground markers, and N-isopropylbenzylamine exposure has become a world problem.

Synthesis

N-isopropylbenzylamine's synthesis method is as follows:

A solution of the appropriate carbonyl compound (1 mmol) and TFE (2 mL) was magnetically stirred at 35-40 °C. After 5 min, the respective amine (1 mmol) was added and the mixture vigorously stirred. After stirring for 5 min, NaBH4 (1.2 mmol) was added and the progress of the reaction conversion was followed by TLC (hexane-EtOAc, 4:1). After completion of the reaction, the mixture was filtered and the residue was washed with TFE (2 mL). The solvent was distilled off (to recover for the next run) and the pure product was obtained (Table 2). If necessary, the crude product was further purified either by crystallization or silica gel column chromatography with EtOAc-hexane as eluent. All products were characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic data (IR, NMR) and by comparison with those reported in the literature. N-isopropylbenzylamine Yield 90%.

Toxicity

N-isopropylbenzylamine users reported that this substance brings brief stimulant effects like rush or high and is associated with side effects such as headaches and confusion (unpublished report).