Drug precursors

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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2012

First published in English as Drug precursors and in French as Précurseurs de drogues by the Mission nationale de contrôle des précurseurs chimiques de drogues (MNCPC).© Mission nationale de contrôle des précurseurs chimiques de drogues (MNCPC), 2006

English translation and adaptation: © European Union, 2012Reproduction is authorised provided prior authorisation is obtained from the European Commission. Requests for authorisation shall be addressed in writing to the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union ([email protected]) or the Publications Office of the European Union ([email protected]).

Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information.

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Category S

1,4-Butanediol (BDO)

AppeArAnCeColourless, nearly odourless liquid, soluble in water.

Harmful if swallowed.May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/ eye protection/face protection.

LAwFUL UsesBDO is mainly used as an intermediate for common chemical and commercial products. It is used in the production of high-performance plastics and complex equipment made of polyurethane (e.g. golf balls, skateboard wheels, car bumpers), as a transfer agent for printing inks and as a cleaning agent.

Harmonised code: 2905 39 25 | CAs number: 110-63-4

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UnLAwFUL Uses1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is a direct precursor of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). It is also an active principle which has the same effects as GHB.

NB: There are other analogues of this substance: gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and gamma-hydroxyvalerate (GHV).

synonyms› Butane-1,4-diol› Butylene-1,4-glycol› Tetramethyleneglycol› 1,4-Dihydroxybutane

CATeGory 1

3,4-Methylenedioxy-phenylpropane-2-one

AppeArAnCeColourless or pale yellow liquid, with an odour of aniseed.

LAwFUL UsesSubstance of extremely limited use in the manufacture of piperonal (also a precursor of ecstasy) and of constituents of perfume and used in the laboratory for organic synthesis.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of different forms of ecstasy (MDA, MDMA and MDE), amphetamine and methamphetamine.


Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation.

Wear protective gloves/eye protection.wArninG

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDmA (hydrochloride) f 1.25 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDA (hydrochloride) f 2.5 litres

synonyms› 1-(1,3-Benzodioxole-5yl)propane-2-one› 1-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanone› 1-(Acetonyl)-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene› 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-yl-propane-2-one› 3,4-Methylenedioxy-phenylacetone› 3,4-Methylenedioxybenzyl methyl ketone› 3,4-Methylenedioxy-phenyl-2-propanone› 3,4-MDP-2-P› MD-P2P› Methylenedioxyphenyl-3,4-propanone-2› Methyl piperonyl ketone› Piperonalacetone› Piperonyl methyl ketone› PMK

CATeGory 2

Acetic anhydride

Flammable liquid and vapour.Harmful if inhaled.Harmful if swallowed.Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.The liquid is corrosive.The product can react very violently if in contact with water or water vapour.


AppeArAnCeColourless liquid with a very strong acetic and pungent odour (resembling vinegar). Fumes in contact with humid air.


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LAwFUL UsesAcetylation agent used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (e.g. in the manufacture of aspirin), in cold processes for bleaching fabric, for metal polishing, in the manufacture of perfumes and for brake fluids, dyes and explosives.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of heroin, phenyl-1-propanone-2 (precursor of amphetamine), methaqualone, mecloqualone and acetylanthranilic acid (Category 1 precursor).

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg heroin (hydrochloride) f 1–4 litres

synonyms› Acétanhydride› Acetic acid, anhydride› Acetic oxide› Acetyl acetate› Acetyl anhydride› Acetyl ether› Acetyl oxide› Anhídrido acético› Anhídrido etanoico› Acetic anhydride› Anhydride éthanoique

› Azijnzuur anhydride› Essigsäureanhydrid› Ethanoic acid anhydride› Ethanoic anhydrate› Ethanoic anhydride› Octowy bezwodnik› Oxido acetico› Oxido de acetilo› Oxyde acétique› Oxyde acétylique

CATeGory 3

Acetone

AppeArAnCeVery fluid, colourless liquid, with a slightly sharp, faintly aromatic odour.

Highly flammable liquid and vapour.Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as by private individuals: also used for the manufacture of lubricating oils and as an intermediate in the manufacture of chloroform as well as in the manufacture of plastics, paints, varnishes and cosmetics.


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UnLAwFUL UsesSolvent used in the manufacture of cocaine, heroin, LSD, methcathinone and amphetamine and methamphetamine derivatives.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg finished product f several tens of litres, depending on availability

synonyms› 2-Propanone› β-Cétopropane› β-Ketonepropane› Aceton, -a, -e, -um› Acetone› Acido piroacetico› Cetona› Diméthylcétal› Diméthylcétone› Diméthylformaldéhyde› Dimethylketone› Esprit pyroligneux› Ether pyroacétique› Methyl ketone› Propanone› Propan-2-one› Pyroacetic acid› Pyroacetic ether› Quetena de metilo

CATeGory 2

Anthranilic acid

AppeArAnCeWhite to pale yellow crystalline powder.

LAwFUL UsesSubstance used as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceutical products and perfumes, as well as in the preparation of bird and insect repellents.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of methaqualone and mecloqualone.


Harmful if swallowed.May cause respiratory irritation.Causes serious eye irritation.


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg n-acetylanthranilic acid f 0.8 kgQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methaqualone f 1 kg

synonyms› 1-Amino-2-carboxybenzene› 2-Aminobenzoic acid› 2-Carboxyaniline› Acide 2-aminobenzoïque› Acide o-aminobenzoïque› Acide anthranilique› Acido orto-aminobenzoico› Acido antranílico› Carboxyanilin, -e› o-Aminobenzoic acid› o-Anthranilic acid› o-Carboxyaniline› ortho-Aminobenzoic acid› ortho-Carboxyaniline› Vitamin L› Vitamino L1

Category S

Benzaldehyde

AppeArAnCeColourless liquid, becoming yellowish when kept, developing a smell of oil of bitter almonds.

Harmful if swallowed or inhaled.May cause eye irritation.May cause respiratory irritation.Benzaldehyde oxidises in the atmosphere to form benzoic acid.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, cinnamic and mandelic acids, pharmaceutical products, chemical products used in agriculture, and other organic chemical products. Also used as a solvent or flavouring substance.

UnLAwFUL UsesCan be used to manufacture phenyl-1-propanone-2 (precursor of amphetamine).


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synonyms› Aldéhyde benzoïque› Essence d’amande amère artificielle› Benzenecarbonal

CATeGory 1

Ephedrine

AppeArAnCeColourless, sometimes white or orange-yellow, crystals or granules, soapy to the touch.

Harmful if swallowed or inhaled.Irritating to eyes and skin.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of medicines (bronchodilators and cough medicines).

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methamphetamine (hydrochloride) f 1.5 kg

synonyms› Astmaphedrine› Benzenemethanol,

α-[1-(Methylamino)ethyl]-,[R-(R*,S*)]-

› Ephedral› Ephedrate› Ephedremal› (-)-Ephedrin, -e› l-Ephedrin, -e› l(-)-Ephedrine› (-)-(1R,2S)-Ephedrine› (-)-erythro-Ephedrine› 1(R),2(S)-erythro-(-)-

Ephedrine› dl-Ephedrinum› Ephetonin, -e› Ephoxamin› Fedrine› 1-Hydroxy-2-methylamino-1-

phenylpropane

› I-Sedrin› Isofedrol› Lexofedrin› Lexophedrine› [R-(R*,S*)]-α-[1-(Methylamino)

ethyl]benzene methanol› NCI-C55652› Pandril› 1-Phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-

methylaminopropane› 1-Phenyl-2-

methylaminopropanol-1› Proasthmin› Racephedrine› Samedrine› Sanephedrine› Vencipon› Zephrol

CATeGory 1

Ergometrine

AppeArAnCeColourless crystals or needles which turn brown and decompose when exposed to light.

Acute toxicity. Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skinor inhaled.

Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/ eye protection/face protection/ respiratory protection equipment.

LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the treatment of migraines and in obstetric surgery (to stimulate contractions during labour).

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of LSD.


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg lysergic acid f 2 kgQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg LsD f 3 kg

synonyms› Acide lysergique, 2-hydroxy-1-

méthyléthylamide› Acide lysergique,

2-propanolamide› Arconovina› Basergine› Cornocentine› Cryovinal› Dextrolysergic acid levo-2-

propanolamine› Ergoatetrine› Ergobasine› Ergofar› Ergomal› Ergomar ‘Nordson’› Ergomed› Ergometrine› Ergonine

› Ergostabil› Ergotocine› Ergotrate› Ermalate› Ermétrine› Hemogen› Metrisanol› Neofemergen› Neo-Femergin› Neofemergene› Novergo› Panergal› Secacornine› Secometrin, -e› Syntometrine› Takimetrin› Uteron

CATeGory 1

Ergotamine

AppeArAnCeColourless, odourless crystals or needles, which absorb humidity from the air and turn brown and decompose when exposed to air, warmth and light.

Toxic if swallowed. Toxic in contact with skin. Toxic if inhaled. Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the treatment of strong migraines and in obstetric surgery (to stimulate contractions during labour).


yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg lysergic acid f 3.5 kgQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg LsD f 5 kg

NB: This substance exists as a base and as a salt: ergotamine tartrate.


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synonyms› Avetol› Bellergal› D-Lysergamide› Bitartrate d’ergotamine› Cafergot› Cornutamin› Effergot› Ergam› Ergate› Ergkatal› Ergocaf› Ergomar› Ergostat› Ergotamine, tartrate (2:1)› Ergotaminine› Ergotan› Ergotartrate

› Ergoton-A› Etin› Exmigra› Femergin› Gotamine› Gotamine tartrate› Gynergène› Lanatrate› Lingraine› Migretamine› Migril› Migwell› Rigetamine› Sécagyne› Secupan› Tartrate de gotamine› Wigraine

CATeGory 3

Ethyl ether

AppeArAnCeColourless, fluid, volatile liquid with a highly characteristic pungent, irritant odour.

Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.Harmful if swallowed.May cause drowsiness or dizziness.May form explosive peroxides.Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.Keep away from heat and hot surfaces.



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LAwFUL UsesSubstance widely used in laboratories and in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as an extracting agent for fats, oils, waxes and resins. Also used in the manufacture of ammunition, plastics and perfumes and in medicine as a general anaesthetic.

UnLAwFUL UsesSolvent used in the manufacture of most drugs.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg finished product f several litres, depending on availability

synonyms› 1-1’-Oxybis[ethane]› 3-Oxapentane› Aether anaestheticus› Diethoxyethane› Diethyl ether› Diethyl oxide› Dioxyde d’éthyle› Ethane,1,1’-oxybis-

› Ether anesthésique› Ether diéthylique› Ethyl ether › Ether pro narcosi› Ether sulfurique› Oxyde d’éthyle› Pronarcol› RCRA Waste Number U117

CATeGory S

Formamide

AppeArAnCeColourless, slightly viscous liquid, with a slight odour of ammonia.

May damage the unborn child. May irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of paper, animal glues and water-soluble gums and as a solvent.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and MDA, as a replacement for formic acid, in reaction with BMK or PMK.

synonyms› Amide formique› Carbamaldehyde› Methananide


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CATeGory S

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)

AppeArAnCeFluid, colourless liquid with an unpleasant odour. Miscible with water, alcohol and other similar liquids. This substance is most often found in liquid or powder form, but also as a gel or as tablets.

Causes serious eye damage. Harmful if swallowed.May cause drowsiness or dizziness.Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/ eye protection/face protection.

Gamma-butyrolactone is neither explosive nor particularly volatile, but is, nonetheless, combustible. GBL is converted into gamma- hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body and brings about the same effects (helplessness, dizziness, euphoria in small doses: larger doses may result in coma, then death).

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LAwFUL UsesSubstance commonly used in pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical products and vitamins, electrolytes in small batteries and accumulators, paint removers, strippers for cabinet making, solvents for resins and food flavourings (including slimming products, products for muscle development). GBL is used in the manufacture of products supplied to hospitals, for filtering drinks and for purification, for cleaning electronic circuits and in high-technology industry, in the manufacture of herbicides and in manufacturing processes for vitamins and pharmaceutical products.

GBL is chiefly used by industrial companies.

UnLAwFUL UsesGamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a direct precursor of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). It is also an active principle which has the same effects as GHB.

NB: GHV, GBL and BDO (butane-1,4-diol) have the same effects.

synonyms


› γ-Butyrolactone› 1,2-Butanolide› 3-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone› 4-Butyrolactone› 4-Butanolide› 4-Hydroxybutanoic acid

lactone› 2(3H)-furanone› Butyrolactone

› Dihydro› Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone› Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid

lactone› GBL› Lactone de l’acide hydroxy-4-

butyric› Tetrahydro-2-furanone

CATeGory 3

Hydrochloric acid

AppeArAnCeColourless or light yellow liquid with a strongly acrid and pungent odour. Fumes when exposed to air.

Contains gas under pressure: may explode if heated.Toxic if inhaled.Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used as a catalyst and solvent in organic synthesis. Also used in the manufacture of chlorides and hydrochlorides, which are used in metal cleaning and glue production and in the textile industry.


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UnLAwFUL UsesAcid used in the manufacture of all common drugs.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg cocaine (hydrochloride) f 0.3 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg heroin (hydrochloride) f 0.3 litres

synonyms› Acide muriatique› Acido cloridrico› Acidum hydrochloricum (concentratum)› Chlorhydric acid› Chlorowodór› Chlorure d’hydrogène› Chlorwasserstof› Hydrochloride acid› Hydrogen chloride› Muriatic acid› Salzsäure› Spirits of salt

CATeGory 1

Isosafrole

AppeArAnCeThick liquid with an odour of aniseed; colourless, or ranging from pale yellow to yellow.

Harmful if swallowed. Suspected of causing cancer.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in perfumery for the modification of oriental perfumes and for the enhancement of soap perfumes. Also used in the manufacture of piperonal and as a pesticide.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of ecstasy and of amphetamine and methamphetamine derivatives.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg piperonal f 0.9 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre 3,4-mDp-2-p f 1.9 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDmA (hydrochloride) f 2.4 litres


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synonyms› 1,2-(Methylenedioxy)-4-propenylbenzene› 1,2-(Methylenedioxy)-4-propen-2-ylbenzene› 1,2-Methylenedioxy-4-prop-1-enylbenzene› 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(1-propenyl)-› 3,4-Methylenedioxy-4-(isopropenyl)-benzene› 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)propenylbenzene› 3,4-Methylenedioxy-1-propenylbenzene› 4-Propenylcatechol methylene ether› 4-Propenyl-1,2-methylene dioxybenzene› 5-Prop-1-enyl-1,3-benzodioxole› 5-(1-Propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole› Benzene, 1,2-(methylenedioxy)-4-propenyl-› Isosafrol› Propenyl-1 methylenedioxy-3,4 benzene

CATeGory 1

Lysergic acid

Extremely toxic.Fatal if swallowed.


Lysergic acid is obtained from ergot of rye or its alkaloids (i.e. from the fungus that grows on rye), called Claviceps purpurea or Aspergillus clavatus.

AppeArAnCeWhite crystals or crystalline powder.

LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in organic synthesis in pharmacology and in medical research.



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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg LsD f 1.5 kg

synonyms› 9,10-Didehydro-6-methylergoline-8 β-carboxylic acid› (8 β)-9,10-Didehydro-6-methylergoline-8-carboxylic acid› Acide 9,10-didéhydro-6-méthylergoline-8-carboxilique› Acide ergoline-8-carboxylique, 9,10-didéhydro-6-méthyl› Acide ergoline-8 β-carboxylique, didéhydro-9,10-méthyl-6-› Acide 4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydro-7-méthyl-indolo-(4,3-fg) quinoline-9-

carboxylique› Acide indolo(4,3-fg)quinoline, ergoline-8carboxylique acide› Acido lisérgico› DAM-57› Ergine› Ergoline-8 β-carboxylic acid, 9,10-didehydro-6-methyl-› 4,6,6a,7,8,9-Hexahydro-7-methylindole[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-

carboxylic acid› Isolysergic acid› D-Lysergic acid› (+)-Lysergic acid› D(+)-Lysergic acid

CATeGory 3

Methyl ethyl ketone or butanone

AppeArAnCeColourless liquid with a slightly sharp acetone smell.

Highly flammable liquid and vapour.Causes serious eye irritation.May cause drowsiness or dizziness.Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of solvents for coatings and of degreasing agents, lacquers and resins.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of cocaine and heroin.


HAzArD

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg finished product f several litres, depending on availability

NB: This substance is frequently used in the manufacture of drugs.

synonyms› 2-Butanone› 2-Oxobutane› Acetonersatz› Aethylmethylketon› Butane-2-one› Butanone› Butanone-2› Ethyl methyl ketone› Ketobutan› MEC› MEETCO› MEK› Methyl acetone› Methyl ethyl ketone› Metiletilcetona

CATeGory 1

N-Acetylanthranilic acid

AppeArAnCeFine crystalline powder, translucid to white.

Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation.May cause respiratory irritation and serious eye irritation.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and plastics and in fine chemistry.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of metaqualone and mecloqualone.


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methaqualone f 1.25 kg

synonyms› 1-Acetylamino-2-carboxybenzene› 2-Acetylaminobenzoic acid› 2-Acetaminobenzoïc acid› 2-Carboxyacetanilide› N-Acetylanthranilic acid (N-AAA)› Acido N-acetilantranílico› Acide 2-acétamidobenzoïde› Acide 2-acétamidobenzoïque› Acide 2-acétylaminobenzoïde› Acide O-acétylaminobenzoïde› Anthranilic acid, N-acetyl› Benzoic acid, 2-(acetylamino)› N-Acetylanthranilsäure› N-Acétylaminobenzoïc acid› O-Acetamidobenzoic acid› O-Acétaminobenzoïc acid› O-Acetylaminobenzoic acid› Ortho acétaminobenzoïc acid

CATeGory 1

Norephedrine

AppeArAnCeWhite crystals with an odour of benzoic acid.

Toxic if swallowed.Toxic if inhaled.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of nasal decongestants and anorexiants.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methamphetamine f 1.5 kg


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synonyms› Acutrim› Adiret› Amfed TD› 2-Amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol› Coldecon› Control› Dex-A-Diet› Dexatrim› Diadax› Diet Plan with Diadax› Fenilpropanolamina› Kontexin› Mydriatin› Monydrin› Mucorama› Norefedrina› Norephedrine

› Phenoxine› 1-Phenyl-2-amino-1-propanol› Phenyldrine› Phenylpropanolamine› Phényl-propanolamine› PPA› Procol› Propadrine› Restaslim› Rhindecon› Rinexin› Sacietyl› Slim Caps› Spray-U-Thin› Sucrets› Tinaroc

CATeGory 1

Oil of sassafras

AppeArAnCeVery light yellow, transparent liquid.

Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation.


LAwFUL UsesThe two main international trade sources for this essential oil are Brazil, where the oil is obtained from the bark of Ocotea pretiosa, and China, where it is obtained from Cinnamomum camphora. These two oils contain at least 80 % safrole. Oil of sassafras is used in aromatherapy and perfumery and in the manufacture of piperonal (Category 1 precursor).

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of isosafrole, piperonal, MDA, MDMA, MDEA (ecstasy).

Harmonised code: 3301 29 41 - 3301 29 91 | CAs number: 8006-80-2

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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre isosafrole f 2 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg piperonal f 1.8 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDmA (hydrochloride) f 4.75 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre pmK f 4 litres

(Taking into account the safrole content of the oil of sassafras.)

NB: Oil of sassafras contains around 90 % safrole.

synonyms› Sassafras officinale oil› Ague tree› Cinnamon wood› Sassafras albidum› Saxifras

CATeGory 2

Permanganate

AppeArAnCeOdourless, dark violet crystals with a metallic blue glint.

Solid which may cause fire when in contact with combustible material.Harmful if swallowed.Very toxic to aquatic life.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used as a reagent in analytical chemistry and in synthetic organic chemistry. Also used in bleaching processes, disinfectants, deodorisers, antibacterial and antifungal agents and in water purification.


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UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used as a solvent in the production of cocaine (elimination of impurities in coca paste) and methcathinone.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg cocaine (hydrochloride) f 0.2 kg

NB: Potassium permanganate continues to be the most frequently used oxidising agent, since its violet pink colour in solution is used as an indicator by cocaine traffickers.

synonyms› Cairox› Chameleon mineral› Condy’s crystals› Kalii permanganas› Kaliumpermanganat› Permanganate of potash› Permanganato potásico› Permanganic acid, potassium salt› Potassium permanganate› Sel de potassium

de l’acide permanganique

CATeGory 1

Phenyl-1 propanone-2

AppeArAnCeColourless and moderately viscous liquid, with a pale yellow tinge.

Flammable. Toxic if swallowed.May irritate the skin and eyes.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for the legal manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine.


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg amphetamine (sulphate) f 2 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methamphetamine (hydrochloride) f 2 litres

synonyms› 1-Phenyl-2-propanone› 1-Phenylpropane-2-one› 2-Propanone, 1-phenyl› Acetonylbenzene› Benzyl Méthyl Cétone (BMC) › Benzyl Methyl Ketone (BMK)› Methyl benzyl ketone› P2P› Phenyl-2-propanone› Phenyl-1 Propanone-2› Phenylmethy methyl ketone› Phenylpropane-2-one

CATeGory 2

Phenylacetic acid

AppeArAnCeWhite to yellowish powder with an extremely unpleasant, sour odour.

Causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation.May cause respiratory irritation.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for the synthesis of penicillin. Also used in flavouring substances, perfume products and cleaning solutions.


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UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of amphetamine, methamphetamine and phenyl-1-propanone-2 (precursor of amphetamines).

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg amphetamine (sulphate) f 4 kgQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methamphetamine (hydrochloride) f 4 kg

synonyms› 2-Phenylacetic acid› α-Toluic acid› α-Toluylic acid› Acide benzène acétique› Acide toluique› Acide α-toluique› Acido bencenoacetico› Acido fenilacético› Acido α-toloico› Benzeneacetic acid› Fema No 2878› Omega-phénylacetic acid› PAA› Phenylethanoic acid› Toluylic acid› ω-Phenylacetic acid

CATeGory 2

Piperidine

AppeArAnCeColourless, combustible liquid, with a strong peppery or ammoniacal odour.

Highly flammable liquid and vapour.Toxic if inhaled or in contact with skin.Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (local anaesthetics, analgesics, cough medicines, etc.). Also used in the manufacture of rubber articles and plastics.


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UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of PCP (phencyclidine).

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg pCp f 1 kg

synonyms› Azacyclohexane› Cyclopentimine› Cypentyl› Hexahydropyridin, -e› Hexazane› Pentamethylenimin, -e› Pentamethyleneamine› Perhydropyridine› Piperidin, -e

CATeGory 1

Piperonal

AppeArAnCeShiny, colourless, needle-shaped crystals with an odour of vanilla and cherry.

Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. Causes skin irritation.May be harmful if swallowed.Harmful to aquatic organisms.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in perfumery, in cherry and vanilla flavourings, in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of mosquito repellents.

NB: In industry, this substance is marketed and used under the name heliotropin.


HAzArD

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of MDA, MDMA, MDE (ecstasy).

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre 3,4 mDp-2-p (PMK = precursor) f 2.1 kg Quantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDmA (hydrochloride) f 2.5 kg

synonyms› Aldéhydedioxyméthylène-protocatéchuique› 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde› 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carboxaldehyde› 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)-benzaldehyde› 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde methylene ketal› 3,4-Dimethylenedioxybenzaldehyde› 5-Formyl-1,3-benzodioxole› 5-Formylbenzodioxole› Dioxymethyleneprotocatechuic aldehyde› Geliotropin› Heliotropin› Piperonaldehyde› Piperonylaldehyde› Protocatechualdehyde, methylene ether› Protocatechuic aldehyde methylene ether

CATeGory S

Platinum oxide

AppeArAnCePlatinum oxide is an odourless powder with a colour ranging from dark brown to black. Platinum oxide has an unlimited lifetime.

Causes skin irritation.Causes eye irritation and serious eye damage.May intensify fire.


LAwFUL UsesPlatinum oxide is used as a hydrogenation catalyst for synthesis in fine chemistry. When this substance is not intended for trade, it is nearly always sold to manufacturers in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries and is used for the production of certain medicines and in agricultural chemistry for the production of insecticides and pesticides.


HAzArD

NB: Its selling price on the legal market is around EUR 100 per gram. On a small commercial scale, the quantities sold generally vary between 1 g and 5 g.

UnLAwFUL UsesJust 10 g platinum oxide is enough to produce a kilogram of amphetamines. Platinum oxide is used in the synthesis of amphetamine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

synonyms› Adam’s› Adam’s catalyst› Catalyseur d’Adam› Dioxyde de platine› Platinum oxide› Platine dioxyde› Platinum (IV) oxide hydrate› Platinum(IV) oxide hydrate› Platinum dioxide hydrate

CATeGory 1

Pseudoephedrine

AppeArAnCeWhite, odourless crystals, needles or crystalline powder.

Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled.Causes serious eye irritation.May cause respiratory irritation.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of medicines (bronchodilators and nasal decongestants, e.g. Actifed, Sudafed).

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.


wArninG

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg methamphetamine (hydrochloride) f 1.5 kg

synonyms› Actifed› Allent› Atridine› Benafed› Benazma› Cenafed› Decofed› Deconamine› Dimacol› Disophrol› Dorcol› Drixoral› Elton› Emprazil› Halofed› Histalet› Intensin

› Isoclor› Isoephedrine› Isofedrin› Maxiphed› Myfedrine› Naldegesic› Neofed› Novafed 120› Novahistine› Oranyl› Otrinol› Paragesic› PediaCare› Pseudoephedrine› (+)-Pseudoephedrine› Repedrina› Rhinalair

› Sinarest› Sinufed› Sudafed› Sufedrin› Suolelix› Symptom 2› Trans-Ephedrine› Triphed› Tusaphed› Tussafed› Tussifed› Tylenol› Unitrol› Ursinus› Uteron› Wal-Phed

CATeGory S

Red phosphorus

AppeArAnCeDark red to violet powder.

Flammable solid. Harmful to aquatic organisms.May explode if mixed with oxidising substances.


LAwFUL UsesChemical product used for synthesis in the production of matches, fireworks, electronic components, semi-conductors (which require high purity), fertilisers, pesticides, smoke bombs and tracer bullets and also as a reagent in chemical and industrial research.


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UnLAwFUL UsesUsed in the illegal production of methamphetamine (catalyst used in the reduction of ephedrine by hydriodic acid), especially in central and eastern Europe, southeast Asia and the United States.

synonym› Red phosphorus

CATeGory 1

Safrole

AppeArAnCeColourless or slightly yellow crystals or liquid with an odour of carbonated drinks.

Extremely flammable.May cause cancer. Suspected of causing genetic defects. Harmful if swallowed.


LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in perfumery and in the manufacture of cherry and vanilla food flavourings. Also used as a denaturing agent for fats in the manufacture of soap.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of MDA, MDMA, MDE (ecstasy).


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yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre isosafrole f 2 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg piperonal f 1.8 litreQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg mDmA (hydrochloride) f 4.75 litresQuantity needed to obtain 1 litre pmK f 4 litres

NB: Safrole can be obtained by the simple distillation of oil of sassafras, which is also regulated.

synonyms› 1-Allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene› 1,2-Methylenedioxy-4-allyl-benzene› 3,4-Methylenedioxy-allylbenzene› 1,2-Methylenedioxy-4-prop-2-enylbenzene› 5-Allyl-1,3-benzodioxole› Allylcatechol methylene ether› Allyldioxybenzene methylene ether› Allylpyrocatechol methylene ether› Benzene, 4-allyl-1,2-(methylenedioxy)› Benzene-1,2-(methylenedioxy)-4-allyl- › RCRA Waste Number U203› Safrole MF› Shikimol, -e

CATeGory 3

Sulphuric acid

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD SULPHURIC ACIDBE HANDLED. Can cause serious burns.Never add water to sulphuric acid.

Skin corrosion. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

AppeArAnCeViscous, colourless and odourless liquid: various impurities may give it a brownish-yellow colour.

LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of fertilisers, industrial explosives, dyes and paper. Also used in cleaning agents for pipelines and metals, in rust prevention products and liquids for car batteries and in petroleum refining.


HAzArD

NB: More sulphuric acid is produced in the world than any other chemical. This substance is manufactured and sold all over the world.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of cocaine base, morphine, amphetamine and methamphetamine.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg cocaine (hydrochloride) f 1–4 litres

synonyms› Acido sulfúrico› Sulfuric acid› Dipping acid› Hydrogen sulfate/sulphate› Hydroot› Matting acid› Nordhausen acid› Oil of vitriol› Schwefelsäure› Spent sulfuric/sulphuric acid› Spirit of sulfur/sulphur› Sulphuric acid› Vitriol› Vitriol brown oil

CATeGory 3

Toluene

AppeArAnCeColourless liquid with a strong odour of benzene.

Highly flammable liquid and vapour.Suspected of damaging the unborn child.May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.Causes skin irritation.May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.


HAzArD

LAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of benzaldehyde and as an industrial solvent in the manufacture of explosives, dyes, coatings and other organic substances. Also used as an additive in petrol.

UnLAwFUL UsesSubstance used in the manufacture of cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methaqualone and mecloqualone.

yieLDsQuantity needed to obtain 1 kg cocaine f several litres, depending on availability

synonyms› Antisal 1A› Benzene, methyl-› CP-25› Methane, phenyl-› Methylbenzene› Methylbenzol

› NCI-CO7272› Phenyl methane› RCRA Waste Number U220› Tolueno› Toluol› Tolu-sol

European Commission

Drug precursors

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union

2012 — 60 pp. — 10.5 × 14.8 cm

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Category SKP-31-11-010

-EN-C

Drug precursors

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