A re-examination of the mono-methoxy positional ring isomers of amphetamine, methamphetamine and phenyl-2-propanone

Recently, tablets inscribed with the Mitsubishi 3-diamond logo, and sold as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), were found to contain p-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), a compound with MDMA-like effects. Shortly after this first submission, similarly inscribed tablets were encountered containing both PMMA and p-methoxyamphetamine (PMA). This second tablet composition has been implicated in several recent deaths in the US. Because two other positions are available for mono-methoxy substitution on the phenyl ring, it is essential that the correct identification be made for these compounds. Analytical data are supplied to enable differentiation of these ring isomers as well as the ketones that serve as their precursors.