Isopropylbenzylamine
IUPAC name	N-(phenylmethyl)propan-2-amine
Other names	Isopropylbenzylamine
Identifiers
CAS number	102-97-6
PubChem	66024
SMILES	CC(C)NCC1=CC=CC=C1
Properties
Molecular formula	C10H15N
Molar mass	149.23 g mol−1
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Isopropylbenzylamine is a chemical compound used as an intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor to the manufacture of some drugs. It has recently come to the attention of the DEA due to its use by illicit methamphetamine manufacturers as a diluting agent which is very similar in appearance and physical properties to methamphetamine and is cheap and not currently illegal. Isopropylbenzylamine is a structural isomer of methamphetamine, and has the same molar mass. It is also a secondary amine like methamphetamine, and forms salts in the same way. Consequently it looks very similar to methamphetamine and has a similar melting point, and can be used to dilute methamphetamine without this being obvious to users, although some subtle differences such as slightly higher melting point and softer crystals may be apparent.^[1] Isopropylbenzylamine is not thought to have any stimulant effects in its own right however, and its toxicity is unknown.^[2][3] Other "cutting agents" found to have been used for methamphetamine include the related compounds methylbenzylamine and ethylbenzylamine, as well as dimethylsulfone.^[4]

Isopropylbenzylamine crystals seized by DEA.

[edit] References

1. ^ [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/programs/forensicsci/microgram/journal_v6_num12/pg4.html Sanderson RS. Identification of N-Methylbenzylamine Hydrochloride, N-Ethylbenzylamine Hydrochloride, and N-Isopropylbenzylamine Hydrochloride. Microgram Journal January-June 2008; 6(1-2)]
2. ^ N-ISOPROPYLBENZYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (AS “ICE” METHAMPHETAMINE MIMICS) ON THE WEST COAST. Microgram Bulletin, March 2008
3. ^ [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/programs/forensicsci/microgram/mg0408/mg0408.html VERY LARGE SEIZURE OF N-ISOPROPYLBENZYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA. Microgram Bulletin, April 2008]
4. ^ N-BENZYLMETHYLAMINE HCL AND N-BENZYLETHYLAMINE HCL ("ICE" AND CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE MIMICS) IN THE SOUTHWEST. Microgram Bulletin, August 2007

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