Work

Synthesis and Characterization of Potentially Dangerous New Nitazene Analogues

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances of abuse not controlled under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, as defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Globally, over 1,350 NPS have been reported, including highly potent synthetic opioids. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, since 2009, 88 synthetic opioids have been detected on the European drug market. In 2024, seven new substances were reported, all belonging to the Nitazene class — highly potent compounds linked to overdose deaths. To date, 22 Nitazenes have been identified across Europe. Methods This research focuses on the synthesis of Nitazene derivatives based on the 2-benzylbenzimidazole scaffold. Structural diversity was achieved through substitutions at two key positions: (i) the ether moiety of the benzyl group and (ii) the benzimidazole core. Results The synthesised compounds were structurally characterised using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to confirm their molecular structure and purity. Conclusions This study introduces new analogues to the Nitazenes, enriching the structural diversity of this emerging class of opioid. The characterised compounds can serve as analytical reference standards to support identification and monitoring of these substances in forensic and toxicological settings.

Source: Emerging Trends in Drugs Addictions and Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100216

Authors: D.F.R. Ferreira, N.R. Neng, A.L.M.B.C. Quintas, H.M.G.G. Gaspar

Institution: University of Lisbon

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Subfield: Toxicology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000