The Boiling Point of Amphetamine: A Comprehensive Guide

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The boiling point of amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant, is a critical physical property that plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior and characteristics of this substance. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the boiling point of amphetamine, providing a wealth of technical details and practical applications for science students and researchers.

Understanding the Boiling Point of Amphetamine

The boiling point of amphetamine, a quantifiable data point, refers to the temperature at which the liquid form of amphetamine transitions into a gaseous state. According to the sources provided, the boiling point of amphetamine is 392 to 397 degrees Fahrenheit (200 to 203 degrees Celsius) at a standard atmospheric pressure of 760 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

This information is essential for understanding the physical properties of amphetamine and its behavior under different temperature conditions. The boiling point is a fundamental characteristic that determines the phase transition of a substance, which is crucial for various applications, such as drug synthesis, purification, and analysis.

Factors Influencing the Boiling Point

boiling point of amphetamine

The boiling point of a substance, including amphetamine, is influenced by several factors, including:

  1. Molecular Structure: The molecular structure of amphetamine, with its specific arrangement of atoms and bonds, plays a significant role in determining its boiling point. The intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding, influence the energy required to overcome these forces and transition the substance into a gaseous state.

  2. Atmospheric Pressure: As mentioned earlier, the boiling point of amphetamine is given at a standard atmospheric pressure of 760 mmHg. However, the boiling point can vary depending on the atmospheric pressure at different locations or altitudes. The relationship between boiling point and pressure is described by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation:

ln(P2/P1) = (ΔHvap/R) * (1/T1 - 1/T2)

where P1 and P2 are the pressures, T1 and T2 are the corresponding boiling temperatures, ΔHvap is the enthalpy of vaporization, and R is the universal gas constant.

  1. Impurities and Solvent Effects: The presence of impurities or the addition of solvents can also affect the boiling point of amphetamine. Impurities can alter the intermolecular interactions, while solvents can change the overall composition and properties of the solution, leading to a shift in the boiling point.

Comparison with Methamphetamine

In addition to the boiling point of amphetamine, the sources also provide information on the boiling point of methamphetamine, a related compound. The boiling point of methamphetamine is 212 degrees Celsius (413.6 degrees Fahrenheit) at 760 mmHg.

Comparing the boiling points of amphetamine and methamphetamine can provide valuable insights into the physical properties and behavior of these substances. The difference in boiling points can be attributed to the structural variations between the two compounds, which affect the intermolecular forces and the energy required for phase transition.

Practical Applications and Considerations

The knowledge of the boiling point of amphetamine has several practical applications and considerations, including:

  1. Drug Synthesis and Purification: Understanding the boiling point of amphetamine is crucial in the synthesis and purification of this substance. The boiling point information can guide the selection of appropriate solvents, distillation techniques, and temperature conditions to optimize the production and separation of amphetamine from reaction mixtures.

  2. Forensic Analysis and Detection: Knowing the boiling point of amphetamine is essential in forensic investigations and drug detection methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The boiling point data can help in the identification and quantification of amphetamine in biological samples or seized materials.

  3. Environmental and Toxicological Considerations: The boiling point of amphetamine is relevant in understanding the environmental fate and behavior of this substance. It can provide insights into the volatility, transport, and potential exposure pathways of amphetamine in various environmental media, such as air, water, and soil.

  4. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Implications: The boiling point of amphetamine may have implications for its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, particularly in terms of drug delivery, absorption, and distribution within the human body.

Conclusion

The boiling point of amphetamine is a critical physical property that provides valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of this substance. This comprehensive guide has explored the technical details, influencing factors, and practical applications of the boiling point of amphetamine, equipping science students and researchers with a deeper understanding of this important parameter.

References

  1. Woźniak, M.K., Banaszkiewicz, L., Wiergowski, M., Tomczak, E., Kata, M., Szpiech, B., Namieśnik, J., & Biziuk, M. (2020). Development and validation of a GC–MS/MS method for the determination of 11 amphetamines and 34 synthetic cathinones in whole blood. Forensic Toxicology, 38, 42-58.
  2. Amphetamine | C9H13N | CID 3007 – PubChem. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Amphetamine
  3. Amphetamine and Methamphetamine – UNODC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://www.unodc.org/pdf/scientific/Amphetamine%20and%20Methamphetamine.pdf
  4. Amphetamine (PIM 934) – INCHEM. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/pim934.htm
  5. Methamphetamine | C10H15N | CID 10836 – PubChem. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methamphetamine