Synthesis and intermediate/by-product analysis of bromo-dragonfly, a dihydrobenzofuran analogue of phenethylamine hallucinogens

In 1998 and 2001, two articles were published by the Nichols lab (Purdue University) providing the synthesis for (R)-(-)-1-(8-Bromobenzo[1,2-b;4,5-b ']difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (bromo-dragonfly). Since that time, bromo-dragonfly has become a much discussed topic in the drug community, with both users and analysts alike. Fairly pure samples of bromo-dragonfly have been found world-wide, with the one documented sample within the United States being found in Oregon. These samples have investigators wondering when the first clandestine lab will be found. It is also possible that illicit production and use of bromo-dragonfly has been overlooked due to the lack of availability of a synthesized chemical standard for comparison purposes. There is currently no chemical library available for the intermediates, by-products, and waste accrued in the bromo-dragonfly synthesis. This paper discusses the full synthesis of bromo-dragonfly following the method published in 2001. Synthetic methods were also modified and alternate approaches used in an attempt to optimize the synthesis. A library was created at the Sacramento County District Attorney's Laboratory of Forensic Services, compiling GC-MS data for each step. This synthesis is difficult and time-consuming, requiring sophisticated equipment and knowledge as well as liters of solvent and many toxic, atmosphere sensitive reagents. It is evident that the synthesis of bromo-dragonfly is far out of the capabilities of the typical clandestine chemist and lab. From the current research it can be concluded that only experienced and sophisticated chemists would be capable of accomplishing bromo-dragonfly synthesis and that only an established chemistry lab would be capable of producing samples of the caliber that have been documented to date.