🧪 O-DSMT

🧪 O-DSMT (O-Desmethyltramadol – (±)-cis-2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexanol)

Forensic and Analytical Overview

1. Chemical Identification

Common name: O-DSMT
Systematic name: (±)-cis-2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexanol
Chemical class: Synthetic opioid / Tramadol metabolite
Molecular formula: C₁₅H₂₃NO₂
Molecular weight: ~249.35 g/mol
Structural relation: Primary active metabolite of tramadol formed via O-demethylation; shares a similar core structure but with altered potency and receptor affinity.

2. Background

O-Desmethyltramadol (O-DSMT) is a synthetic opioid compound structurally derived from tramadol.
Initially identified as the major active metabolite responsible for tramadol’s analgesic activity, O-DSMT has since been used in pharmacological and analytical research exploring μ-opioid receptor interactions, metabolism, and detection methods in biological and forensic samples.

Although not approved for direct medical use, O-DSMT remains an important reference compound for laboratory and toxicological purposes.

3. Analytical Characterization

Standard methods used for the identification and analysis of O-DSMT include:

• Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)

• Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)

• Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Distinct mass spectral fragments and retention times enable precise differentiation from tramadol and other opioid analogues in forensic testing.

4. Research and Forensic Relevance

O-DSMT is widely used for:

• Analytical method validation and calibration

• Toxicological and pharmacokinetic research

• Forensic identification of opioid metabolites

• Development of reference materials for laboratory testing

5. Legal and Safety Notes

Status: Controlled or restricted in multiple jurisdictions due to its opioid activity.
Handling: Research use only under appropriate laboratory licensing and authorization.
Storage: Store securely in a temperature-controlled environment, protected from light and moisture.
Safety: Handle using appropriate PPE and follow institutional safety and disposal protocols.

6. Summary

O-DSMT (O-Desmethyltramadol) is a synthetic opioid compound used primarily in analytical, pharmacological, and toxicological research.
Its structural and pharmacological relationship to tramadol makes it a key substance in metabolism studies and forensic reference analysis.

⚠️ For Research Use Only / Not for Human Consumption
Not for medical, veterinary, or household use.
For qualified laboratory professionals only.