Bromo-DragonFLY explained

Bromo-DragonFLY (or 3C-Bromo-Dragonfly, DOB-Dragonfly[1]) is a substance related to the phenethylamine family. It acts as a potent full agonist for the 5-HT2A receptor.

History

Bromo-DragonFLY was first synthesized by Matthew Parker in the laboratory of David E. Nichols in 1998. As with the earlier and less potent dihydrofuran series of compounds nicknamed FLY, Bromo-DragonFLY was named after its superficial structural resemblance to a dragonfly.

Pharmacology

Bromo-DragonFLY has very high affinity at the 5-HT2A (Ki 0.04 nM) and 5-HT2C receptors (Ki 0.02 nM), along with moderate affinity for 5-HT2B (Ki 0.19 nM).[2] [3] Bromo-DragonFLY is also a MAO-A inhibitor,[4] increasing its risks.

Chemistry

The first synthesis of racemic Bromo-DragonFLY was reported by David E. Nichols in 1998 and was an expansion upon earlier research into the tetrahydrobenzodifuran analogue of DOB.[5] The 1998 synthesis of racemic Bromo-DragonFLY starts from hydroquinone, which is dialkylated with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, brominated, and treated with n-butyllithium to yield the tetrahydrobenzodifuran ring system. After formylation of the ring system, the nitropropene derivative was obtained by condensation with nitroethane under ammonium acetate catalysis. The nitropropene derivative was then reduced with lithium aluminium hydride to yield the amine intermediate, which was protected with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Following para-bromination with elemental bromine and oxidation of the tetrahydrobenzodifuran ring system with DDQ, the trifluoroacetyl protecting group of the amine was removed to give Bromo-DragonFLY as a racemic mixture of the R and S enantiomers.

In 2001, David E. Nichols reported an enantiospecific synthesis of Bromo-DragonFLY which allowed the individual R and S enantiomers to be studied.[6] Further research determined that (R)-(-)-Bromo-DragonFLY possessed greater binding affinity at the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors than (S)-(-)-Bromo-DragonFLY. To synthesize the more active R enantiomer, a derivative of D-alanine was reacted with 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzodifuran in a Friedel–Crafts acylation, yielding an intermediate containing a β-keto moiety which was removed by treatment with triethylsilane in trifluoroacetic acid. After para-bromination and oxidation of the ring system with DDQ, the amine was deprotected yielding (R)-(-)-Bromo-DragonFLY.

Dosage

Data on toxicological significance and dosage of Bromo-DragonFLY remains elusive due to lack of human consumption, however commonly reported recreational dose of this substance is in the range of 500-1000μg.[7] However, a death has been reported at approximately 700μg Bromo-DragonFLY.

Toxicity

The toxicity of Bromo-DragonFLY appears to be fairly high for humans, with reports of at least five deaths believed to have resulted from Bromo-DragonFLY in Norway,[8] Sweden,[9] [10] Denmark,[11] [12] Finland[13] and the United States.Laboratory testing has confirmed that in October 2009, a batch of Bromo-Dragonfly was distributed, mislabeled as the related compound 2C-B-FLY, which is around 20x less potent than BDF by weight. This mistake is believed to have contributed to several lethal overdoses and additional hospitalizations. The batch implicated in these deaths also contained significant synthesis impurities, which may have contributed to the toxicity.[14]

Vasoconstrictive action resulting from severe overdose of Bromo-DragonFLY is known to have caused tissue necrosis of the extremities in at least one case. In September 2007, a 35-year-old Swedish male required amputation of the front part of his feet and several fingers on one hand after taking a massive (but unknown) overdose; reportedly, the compound acted as a long-acting efficacious vasoconstrictor, leading to necrosis and gangrene which became apparent several weeks after the overdose occurred. Treatment was of limited efficacy in this case, although tolazoline is reportedly an effective treatment where available.[15] [16]

Overdose-associated disturbing experiences and health problems have been described. One case in 2008 in England involved inhalation of vomit, causing nearly fatal asphyxia.[17] Seizures have also been reported.[18]

On October 3, 2009, a 22-year-old male from Copenhagen died after ingesting Bromo-DragonFLY. His friend described the trip saying, "It was like being dragged to hell and back again. Many times. It is the most evil [thing] I've ever tried. It lasted an eternity."[19]

On May 7, 2011, in the United States, two young adults died after overdosing on Bromo-DragonFLY, which they thought was 2C-E, and several others were hospitalized during the same incident. Because they took a dosage appropriate for 2C-E, those who took the drug received, in some cases, 100x the normal dose. Both deaths followed seizures, vomiting blood, and terrifying hallucinations.[20]

Drug prohibition laws

United States

Bromo-DragonFLY is unscheduled at federal level in the United States but could be prosecuted if it is sold for human consumption, Bromo Dragonfly is listed as a Schedule I in Oklahoma.[21]

Canada

As of Oct 12, 2016, Bromo-DragonFLY is listed in Schedule III of the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act: "2C-phenethylamines and their salts, derivatives, isomers and salts of derivatives and isomers", a broad definition which corresponds to anything with a 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine core, including (but not limited to) the 2C family (including e.g. βk-2C-B), the DOx chemical class, the TMA family, Aleph aka DOT, NBOMe, the 25x-NBx series, and of course, Bromo-DragonFLY itself (see this article).

United Kingdom

Bromo-DragonFLY is widely reported by the media as being a Class A drug.[22] However, as of 2014, it remains unclear to what extent it is covered by the UK phenylethylamine catch-all clause, with commentators noting both the structural similarities[23] and differences[24] to the phenylethylamine class. If the prosecution could demonstrate structural similarity in court, it would be considered a Class A substance[25] but as a benzodifuran it is significantly different to this class. It is not explicitly named in the misuse of drugs act.[26] It would be covered by the UK Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 but only if it is sold or traded for human consumption.

Sweden

Sveriges riksdag added Bromo-Dragonfly to schedule IV ("substances, plant materials and fungi that hasn't any or without nothing medical use") as narcotics in Sweden as of Jan 3, 2008, published by Medical Products Agency in their regulation LVFS 2007:14 listed as Bromo-Dragonfly, brombensodifuranyl-isopropylamin.[27] Bromo-DragonFLY was first classified as "health hazard" by Sveriges riksdags health ministry under the act (translated Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health) as of Jul 15, 2007, in their regulation SFS 2007:600 listed as brombensodifuranylisopropylamin (Bromo-Dragonfly), making it illegal to sell, purchase, buy, retail or possess.[28]

Denmark

On December 3, 2007, the drug was banned in Denmark.[29] The substance has been declared illegal by health minister Jakob Axel Nielsen, following recommendations from the Danish Health Ministry. It is currently classified as a dangerous narcotic and therefore its possession, manufacture, importation, supply or usage is strictly prohibited. Anyone involved in such activities can face legal action.[30]

Norway

Bromo-DragonFLY is currently on the Norwegian narcotics list.[31] [32]

Poland

Currently, Bromo-DragonFLY is an uncontrolled substance in Poland.

Romania

The chemical compound has been added as an illegal substance under the Law 143/2000 on February 10, 2010.[33]

Australia

As of 9 September 2011, Bromo-DragonFLY was added to Schedule 2 of the Queensland Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987.[34]

Nationally, the drug is listed under Schedule 9 (Prohibited) of the Poisons Standard. Accordingly, the drug is prohibited in all states and territories.[35]

Finland

As of 12 March 2012, Bromo-DragonFLY is an illegal designer drug.[36]

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Erowid Bromo-Dragonfly Vault. www.erowid.org. 26 March 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180323230015/https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/bromo_dragonfly/bromo_dragonfly.shtml. 23 March 2018.
  2. Parker MA, Marona-Lewicka D, Lucaites VL, Nelson DL, Nichols DE . A novel (benzodifuranyl)aminoalkane with extremely potent activity at the 5-HT2A receptor . Journal of Medicinal Chemistry . 41 . 26 . 5148–9 . December 1998 . 9857084 . 10.1021/jm9803525 .
  3. Corazza . O . Schifano . F . Farre . M . Deluca . P . Davey . Z . Torrens . M . Demetrovics . Z . Di Furia . L . Flesland . L . Siemann . H . Skutle . A . Van Der Kreeft . P . Scherbaum . N . May 2011 . Designer drugs on the internet: a phenomenon out-of-control? the emergence of hallucinogenic drug Bromo-Dragonfly . Current Clinical Pharmacology . 6 . 2. 125–9 . 21592070 . 10.2174/157488411796151129 . 2299/10464 . free .
  4. Noble C, Holm NB, Mardal M, Linnet K . Bromo-dragonfly, a psychoactive benzodifuran, is resistant to hepatic metabolism and potently inhibits monoamine oxidase A. Toxicology Letters. 295. 397–407. 1 October 2018. 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.07.018 . 30036687. 51714119 .
  5. Parker . Matthew . Marona-Lewicka . Danuta . Lucaites . Virginia . Nelson . David . Nichols . David . A Novel (Benzodifuranyl)aminoalkane with Extremely Potent Activity at the 5-HT2A Receptor . Journal of Medicinal Chemistry . 8 June 1998 . 41 . 26 . 5148–5149 . 10.1021/jm9803525. 9857084 .
  6. Chambers . James . Kurrasch-Orbaugh . Deborah . Parker . Matthew . Nichols . David . Enantiospecific Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of a Series of Super-Potent, Conformationally Restricted 5-HT2A/2C Receptor Agonists . Journal of Medicinal Chemistry . 26 January 2001 . 44 . 14 . 1003–1010 . 10.1021/jm060272y. 16821786 .
  7. Forensic Science International . 183 . 10 January 2009 . 91–96 . 1 . Matte FA, Rasmus T, Rune IB, Bente S, Mogens J . 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.11.001 . A fatal poisoning involving Bromo-Dragonfly . 19091499.
  8. Web site: Erowid Bromo-Dragonfly Vault : Reported GHB-Related Death Involved Bromo-Dragonfly . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20080312220033/http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/bromo_dragonfly/bromo_dragonfly_death2.shtml . 2008-03-12 .
  9. Web site: Erowid Bromo-Dragonfly Vault : Information about a death reportedly related to Bromo-Dragonfly . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20071204011658/https://erowid.org/chemicals/bromo_dragonfly/bromo_dragonfly_death1.shtml . 2007-12-04 .
  10. News: Kajsa Hallberg . Kajsa Hallberg . Man i 20-årsåldern dog av drogen Dragonfly . 2007-04-03 . . . sv . 2009-10-30 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111020211252/http://www.expressen.se/Nyheter/1.622826 . 2011-10-20.
  11. News: Ritzau . Ritzau . Nyt stof har slået dansker ihjel . 2008-08-24 . 2009-10-30 . . da . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080912142231/http://jp.dk/indland/aar/article1418250.ece . 2008-09-12.
  12. Andreasen MF . Telving R . Birkler RI . Schumacher B . Johannsen M . A fatal poisoning involving Bromo-Dragonfly. Forensic Science International. January 2009. 183. 1–3. 91–6. 19091499. 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.11.001.
  13. News: Kassisurman päätekijälle 11,5 vuoden vankeustuomio taposta. Timo. Siukonen. Helsingin Sanomat. 2012-12-14. 2012-12-14. fi.
  14. Web site: Erowid 2C-B-Fly Vault: Death Report . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20091013131118/http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/2cb_fly/2cb_fly_death1.shtml . 2009-10-13 .
  15. http://www.lakartidningen.se/engine.php?articleId=9254 Bromo-dragonfly – livsfarlig missbruksdrog
  16. 18522262 . 105 . [Bromo-dragon fly--life-threatening drug. Can cause tissue necrosis as demonstrated by the first described case] . 2008 . Läkartidningen . 1199–200 . Thorlacius . K . Borna . C . Personne . M. 16 .
  17. Web site: George . Sallie . England | Surrey | 'I nearly died from taking £5 hit' . BBC News . 2008-03-27 . 2010-02-08 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120106012812/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/surrey/7315020.stm . 2012-01-06 .
  18. Wood DM, Looker JJ, Shaikh L, Button J, Puchnarewicz M, Davies S, Lidder S, Ramsey J, Holt DW, Dargan PI . Delayed onset of seizures and toxicity associated with recreational use of Bromo-dragonFLY . Journal of Medical Toxicology . 5 . 4 . 226–9 . December 2009 . 19876858 . 10.1007/bf03178273. 3550403 .
  19. Web site: | Danish man died after trip on Chinese drug . 13 November 2009 . Jp.dk . 2010-02-08 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120320022603/http://jp.dk/indland/kbh/article1884968.ece . 2012-03-20 .
  20. Web site: Second Victim Dies After Taking Designer Drug In Konawa. newson6.com. 26 March 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084248/http://www.newson6.com/story/14641463/second-victim-dies-after-taking-designer-drug-in-konawa. 27 March 2018.
  21. Web site: Stogsdill . Sheila . Man sentenced in 2011 designer drug deaths of two Oklahoma college students . The Oklahoman . 20 May 2024.
  22. News: Sallie . George . I nearly died from taking £5 hit . 2008-03-27 . . BBC News . 2013-11-28 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120106012812/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/surrey/7315020.stm . 2012-01-06 .
  23. Web site: Psychonaut Webmapping Research Group. Bromo-Dragonfly Report. www.psychonautproject.eu/. Institute of Psychiatry, London. 12 June 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120515054031/http://psychonautproject.eu/documents/reports/Bromodragonfly.pdf. 15 May 2012.
  24. Web site: Ask Erowid : ID 3103 : Does Bromo-Dragonfly fall under the UK ban on phenethylamines?. www.erowid.org. 26 March 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180324030327/https://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.php?ID=3103. 24 March 2018.
  25. Web site: Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Consideration of the Novel Psychoactive Substances ('Legal Highs'). UK Home Office. 12 June 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714133535/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/119139/acmdnps2011.pdf. 14 July 2014.
  26. Web site: UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 > 1971 c. 38 > SCHEDULE 2 . 2013-11-28 . UK Home Office . UK Home Office . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121114181829/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2 . 2012-11-14 .
  27. Web site: Läkemedelsverkets föreskrifter - LVFS och HSLF-FS | Läkemedelsverket . 2013-09-15 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130928024105/http://www.lakemedelsverket.se/upload/lvfs/LVFS_2007-14.pdf . 2013-09-28 .
  28. Web site: Archived copy . 2013-09-25 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130929062843/http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/sfs/20070600.pdf . 2013-09-29 .
  29. Web site: Amendment of Executive Order on Euphoriant Substances. Danish Medicines Agency. 2007. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216060806/http://www.dkma.dk/da?sc_itemid=%7bF2733320-09EF-4477-AA70-0725C65FD9FD%7d&path=%2f1024%2fvisUKLSArtikel.asp%3fartikelID%3d12407. 2012-02-16. 2021-06-11.
  30. Web site: Erowid Bromo-Dragonfly Vault : Legal Status . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20080415151312/http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/bromo_dragonfly/bromo_dragonfly_law.shtml#denmark . 2008-04-15 .
  31. Web site: List of narcotic drugs according to Norwegian law . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074723/http://www.lovdata.no/for/sf/ho/to-19780630-0008-001.html . 2014-10-06 .
  32. Web site: Statens Legemiddelverk about derivates and Bromo-DragonFLY. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090528230605/http://www.legemiddelverket.no/templates/InterPage____57471.aspx. 2009-05-28.
  33. Web site: Modified Romanian law 143/2000 on January 10, 2010. . February 28, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100624223623/http://www.legestart.ro/Ordonanta-de-urgenta-6-2010-modificarea-completarea-Legii-143-2000-prevenirea-combaterea-traficului-consumului-ilicit-droguri-completarea-Legii-339-2005-regimul-juridic-plantelor-%28MzQ3MzAw%29.htm . June 24, 2010 .
  34. Web site: Queensland Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110422124116/http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/D/DrugsMisuseR87.pdf . 2011-04-22 .
  35. Poisons Standard October 2015 Web site: Poisons Standard October 2015 . 30 September 2015 . 2016-01-06 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160119074606/https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L01534/ . 2016-01-19 .
  36. http://yle.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/2012/03/muuntohuumeita_nyt_ensi_kertaa_huumausaineluetteloon_3298251.html?origin=rss Design drugs

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