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#70 DON
2,5-DIMETHOXY-4-NITROAMPHETAMINE
SYNTHESIS: A
solution of 8.4 g
2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine base in 40 mL
acetic acid was added dropwise over the course of 0.5 h to 43 mL of
50%
nitric acid which was well stirred and cooled with an external ice
bath. The resulting
solution was quenched with ice water, made basic
with aqueous
NaOH, and extracted with a
benzene-ether mixture. The
residue that remained after the removal of the
solvent was
dissolved
in dilute HCl which, upon
evaporation of the H2O, yielded a nearly
colorless residue. Re
crystallization from an
ethanol/
ether mixture
gave, after drying, 10.5 g of
2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitroamphetamine
hydrochloride (DON) with a mp of 206-207 °C. The
acetamide derivative
melted at 166-168 °C. The
formamide derivative was easily hydrolyzed
with 3N HCl. And the R-
isomer of DON
hydrochloride had a mp of
231-232 °C.
DOSAGE: 3.0 - 4.5 mg.
DURATION: 8 - 15 h.
QUALITATIVE COMMENTS: (with 3.0 mg) There was an
amphetamine-like
stimulation that was apparent an hour into it, and considerable
anxiety. I had stomach cramps, but there were indications that there
might be something
hallucinogenic at a higher dose.
(with 4.5 mg) An enhancement of color perception, and some auditory
distortion, that was still noticeable some eight hours into the
experience. The visual changes were intense. I felt I was running a
slight fever, and was restless, but there was almost no physical
malaise. I was still somewhat wound up even at the 14th hour.
EXTENSIONS AND COMMENTARY: These qualitative comments are not true
quotations, but have been reconstructed from the published summaries
of the human trials reported by several South
American researchers. I
have personally never tasted DON and have only these fragments from
which to create a portrait of activity. A brief quotation, from a
note published by these researchers in a bulletin that is restricted
to forensic scientists serving law enforcement agencies, is certainly
subject to a number of interpretations. It reads as follows: "This
action
a strong stimulant action reminiscent of amphetamine seems to
reduce the incidence of insightful, and therefore potentially
unpleasant experiences, and thus
DON seems likely to appear on the
market as an illicit recreational drug." I must admit that I have
tried, and I am still not able, to interpret this quotation.
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