Multi-analytical identification of the synthetic opioids cychlorphine and methiodone (IC-26) in drug seizures: first detection in Europe
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Paméla Dugues
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Tiphaine Robin
Abstract
Objectives
The rapid emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids represents a growing challenge for forensic and clinical laboratories.
Methods
We report the first identification in Europe of methiodone (IC-26) and the first detection in France of cychlorphine in drug samples collected by a drug-checking service in Paris.
Results
Preliminary screening by liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (LC-DAD) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed unknown peaks due to the lack of corresponding spectra in available spectral librairies. High-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) provided accurate mass measurements consistent with the cychlorphine and Methiodone formulas. Structural confirmation was obtained by 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Targeted LC-MS/MS quantified 5 % cychlorphine and 2 % methiodone, with no other psychoactive compounds detected.
Conclusions
These results highlight the limitations of library-based screening and the value of multi-platform strategies integrating LC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, and NMR for the early detection of emerging drugs.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Use of AI to improve language.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: The data are available upon request.
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