ADB-5Br-INACA: Structural Characterization and Analytical Profile of a 5-Bromoindazole-3-Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid

Introduction

ADB-5Br-INACA chemical structure
Figure 1. Chemical structure of ADB-5Br-INACA (C₁₄H₁₇BrN₄O₂, MW 353.21)

ADB-5Br-INACA (N-[(2S)-1-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-5-bromo-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, C₁₄H₁₇BrN₄O₂, MW 353.21) is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligand belonging to the indazole-3-carboxamide structural class. This compound features a 5-bromo substitution on the indazole core and an ADB (1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl) tail moiety, distinguishing it from the analogous MDMB-5Br-INACA which carries a methyl ester terminal group.

Structural Overview

The molecular architecture of ADB-5Br-INACA comprises three key pharmacophoric domains:

  1. Indazole Core (Head): A 5-bromo-1H-indazole heterocycle (CAS 1077-94-7), providing the central scaffold for receptor interaction.
  2. Carboxamide Linker: An amide bridge connecting the indazole C3 position to the tail moiety, critical for hydrogen bonding with CB₁/CB₂ receptors.
  3. ADB Tail: A chiral (2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl substituent, featuring a terminal primary amide (CONH₂) and a tert-butyl group, conferring metabolic stability.

Physicochemical Properties

Property Value
IUPAC Name N-[(2S)-1-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-5-bromo-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide
Molecular Formula C₁₄H₁₇BrN₄O₂
Molecular Weight 353.21 g/mol
InChI Key AJGASUCDTSLMNP-LLVKDONJSA-N
SMILES O=C(c1n[nH]c2c1cc(Br)cc2)N[C@@H](C(C)(C)C)C(=O)N
Chirality (S) configuration at the tail α-carbon

Structural Comparison: ADB vs MDMB Tail

A critical structure-activity relationship (SAR) distinction exists between ADB-5Br-INACA and its close analogue MDMB-5Br-INACA. The ADB series terminates in a primary amide (CONH₂), while the MDMB series carries a methyl ester (COOCH₃). This difference profoundly impacts:

  • Metabolic stability: The ADB amide is more resistant to esterase-mediated hydrolysis compared to the MDMB ester.
  • Polarity and LogP: The amide tail increases hydrogen-bond donor capacity, slightly reducing LogP relative to the ester variant.
  • Receptor binding kinetics: The altered hydrogen-bonding profile may modulate residence time at CB₁/CB₂ receptors.

Analytical Characterization

The CFSRE (Center for Forensic Science Research & Education) has published a comprehensive analytical profile of ADB-5Br-INACA, including:

  • GC-MS: Electron ionization mass spectrum showing diagnostic fragment ions consistent with the 5-bromoindazole-3-carboxamide core.
  • LC-QTOF-MS: High-resolution mass spectrometry providing accurate mass confirmation of the protonated molecular ion [M+H]⁺ at m/z 354.06.
  • NMR Spectroscopy: ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments confirming the substitution pattern and (S)-stereochemistry.
  • FTIR: Characteristic carbonyl stretching frequencies for the carboxamide (∼1650 cm⁻¹) and primary amide (∼1680 cm⁻¹).

Synthetic Considerations

The synthesis of ADB-5Br-INACA follows a convergent approach analogous to other indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids:

  1. Core Preparation: 5-Bromo-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (CAS 1077-94-7) is activated as the acid chloride or via a coupling reagent (e.g., HATU, EDCI).
  2. Amide Coupling: The activated indazole acid is coupled with (2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-amine (ADB amine) under standard peptide coupling conditions.
  3. Purification: Flash column chromatography or preparative HPLC affords the target compound in high purity (>98%).

Regulatory and Forensic Context

ADB-5Br-INACA has been documented in the Aipsin (Analytical Profiles for Intoxicating Substances) monograph series (Issues 26 and 39, 2022–2023) and in the Project Response program (report HIFS-026) as an emerging synthetic cannabinoid of forensic interest. Its structural similarity to scheduled indazole-3-carboxamide cannabinoids places it within the scope of generic controlled substance analogues legislation in several jurisdictions.

Availability

This compound and its synthetic intermediates, including 5-bromo-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (CAS 1077-94-7), are available for research purposes. Contact us for pricing and specifications.

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