Ft-Ir Raman Differentiation and Characterization of Cis (Z) and Trans (E)-Monoethoxy-1-(2-Nitro-1-Propenyl) Benzenes -- Precursors to the Monoethoxyamphetamine "Designer" Street Drugs

• NCJ Number: 137579
• Journal: Canadian Society of Forensic Science Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 31-49
• Author(s): G A Neville; A By; H F Shurvell
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: French; English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

Fourier transform Raman and infrared spectra of pure cis(Z)- and trans(E)-2,3, and 4-monoethoxy-1-(2-nitro-1-propenyl) benzene isomers (precursors of the corresponding "designer" monoethoxyamphetamine street drugs) were recorded in their natural solid or liquid state.

Abstract

The spectra show characteristic features of the ethylene moiety and of the aryl and nitro substituents which permit ready differentiation and identification of these isomers. For each of the isomeric pairs except the meta-disubstituted (3-ethoxy-) substance, a very strong Raman line is found for the C=C stretching mode at 10-16cm-1 higher frequency for the cis(Z)isomers than for the trans(E)-compounds. A second characteristic of both the Raman and IR spectra is that the frequency of the strong symmetric NO2 stretching band is about 30-40 cm-1 higher in the cis- than the trans-isomers. FT-Raman spectra, recorded for both solid and liquid states of trans(E)-3-ethoxy-1-(2-nitro-1-propenyl) benzene, are compared. All major IR and Raman bands are reported and given vibrational assignments. 10 figures, 4 tables, and 15 references (Author abstract modified)