Quantification of 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) and one metabolite by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry in post-mortem samples in a sexual context

Since 2010 and the legal control of mephedrone (3-methylmethcathinone or 4MMC) in France, 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) has appeared in the recreational drug market. Synthetic cathinones are largely consumed in context of chemsex and 3-MMC is particularly well widespread among chemsexers. The aim of this article is to report a complete case of a lethal intoxication involving 3-MMC of a 65 -year -old male, regular consumer, through the quantification of 3-MMC in post-mortem fluids and by the analysis of the consumed products. Moreover, quantification of this synthetic cathinone was performed in hair samples, as one of its metabolites, 3-methylnorephedrine, data not yet reported in the international literature. The detection and the determination of 3-MMC in post-mortem fluids were achieved using gas chromatography -tandem mass spectrometry. 3-MMC concentrations in blood and urine were 349 ng/mL and 14,080 ng/mL, respectively. The purity in 3-MMC of the three powders seized at the scene was measured at 79%, 65% and 81%. Lastly, 3-MMC and its metabolite were quantified in post-mortem hair samples by liquid chromatography -high resolution mass spectrometry at concentrations of 25 pg/mg and 25 pg/mg, respectively. With the increase of recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) during chemsex session, consumer awareness must be enhanced because an addiction can be developed and lead to accidental fatal intoxication as seems to be the manner here. (c) 2023 Societe Francaise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.