An unusual clandestine laboratory synthesis of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

An unknown compound from a putative clandestine laboratory was analyzed by GC-MS, GC-IRD, IR (ATR), and NMR and found to be α-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyphenylpropionamide (MMDPPA), an unusual precursor for the synthesis of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), a Schedule I controlled substance. A portion of this precursor was subjected to the Hofmann Degradation (i.e.