Description
APAAN (alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile)
APAAN (alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile) , 2-Phenylacetoacetonitrile is an analytical reference standard that is structurally categorized as an amphetamine precursor. APAAN (alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile) is used to generate phenylacetone , which is then modified by the Leuckart reaction to synthesize amphetamine. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.
APAAN (alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile) can be used as a raw material or reagent (building block) in organic synthesis, both in the chemical industry and in scientific research. There are very few known legal uses for APAAN.
There are different ways to convert APAAN to BMK: 1. APAAN with phosphoric acid (found in Poland) 2. APAAN with sulphuric acid, in which case: a. The required heat is generated by means of cooking vessels; b. The required heat is generated by the (exothermic) reaction between the sulphuric acid and water. 3. APAAN with hydrochloric acid. Subsequently, the chemical and technical process of each conversion method is described.
In the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI)’s investigation of an illegal BMK production lab that used sulphuric acid and heating, the yield of pure BMK proved to be about 68% of the theoretical maximum yield. When the process was repeated on a smaller scale at the NFI’s, the yield came to about 74%. The literature describes a yield of 77 to 86% for this BMK production process.
Though APAAN conversion labs can be investigated in the same way as ‘regular’ synthetic drugs labs, there are a number of specific focus areas, such as yield calculation in %, quantities produced, process setup, recipes found, etc.
APAAN to BMK conversion entails specific hazards and risks, resulting from the chemicals and production equipment used. Acids in combination with defective production equipment – plastic barrels and heating elements – present great risks. ‘Modifications’ made to the vessels cause major problems during stabilization, dismantling, transport and storage.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Formal Name :α-acetyl-benzeneacetonitrile
CAS Number :4468-48-8
Synonyms :APAAN ,2-Phenylacetoacetonitrile
Molecular Formula :C10H9NO
Formula Weight :159.2
Purity :≥98%
Formulation :A crystalline solid
λmax :264 nm
Storage :-20°C
Stability :≥ 2 years
