NBOMe compounds: An overview about analytical methodologies aiming their determination in biological matrices

Abstract

Abstract NBOMe are synthetic drugs that are highly known in the market for drugs abuse, which are relatively cheaper compared to other drugs and can be easily acquired mainly through the Internet. They are derived from phenylethylamine with minor changes in its structure and with addition of halogens or chains that can cause a substantial increase in their hallucinogenic potential, acting as potent agonists of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which are associated with cognitive and behavioral processes. Modern analytical methods for NBOMe screening are required for routine analysis. Then, this review covers the main methods for the analysis of NBOMe in their chemical structures for detection in seized and biological materials for forensic and clinical purposes. In addition, it was shown the importance of mass spectrometry for the NBOMe compounds present in different biological samples, as well as sample preparation information on NBOMe compounds using conventional extraction techniques available in the literature.