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Safrole

CAS number 94-59-7




Safrole IUPAC name 5-(2-Propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole
Other names Shikimol 5-Allylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxole

Properties

Molar mass 162.19 g/mol
Molecular Formula C10H10O2
Molecular Weight 162.19
Density 1.096 g/cm3
Melting point 11 °C
Boiling point 232-234 °C


Safrole is a colorless or slightly yellow oily liquid. It is typically extracted from the root-bark or the fruit of sassafras plants in the form of sassafras oil, or synthesized from other related methylenedioxy compounds.

It is the principal component of brown camphor oil, and is found in small amounts in a wide variety of plants, where it functions as a natural pesticide.

Safrole is an ingredient used to manufacture Ecstasy, a psychoactive drug that affects the brain's use of the naturally-produced chemical serotonin, which regulates mood and aggression.The DEA issued a public advisory in May 2003 warning chemical distributors about the drug-making potential of safrole, which is a substance naturally found in the oils from sassafras and camphor trees.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and state/local law enforcement authorities have noted an alarming trend involving illicit MDMA production. MDMA (Ecstasy) is a major drug problem.

All businesses engaged in the sale of safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such as, sassafras oil, "brown" camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, also referred to as Chinese sassafras oil, should be aware of the use of these products by clandestine MDMA laboratory operators.

Criminal elements routinely use these List I chemicals in the illicit production of MDMA. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching, often over the Internet, for sources of supply for these List I chemicals.

This notice is being provided to:
Make you aware that safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such as sassafras oil, and brown camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, are List I chemicals;

Remind all distributors of these products that they must be registered with DEA, obtain identifying information from their customers, keep records, report suspicious orders to DEA, and "know their customer," to avoid unwittingly becoming a supplier to a clandestine MDMA laboratory;

Safrole was once widely used as a food additive in root beer, sassafras tea, and other common goods. However, the FDA barred the use of safrole after it was shown to be mildly carcinogenic.

Today, safrole is used for making soap and perfumes, aromatheraputic agents, and the insecticide heliotropin (piperonal butoxide). More recently, safrole has been used as the main precursor for the clandestine manufacture of MDMA (Ecstasy) and MDEA (Eve). The standard synthetic procedure for the production of MDMA from safrole is via isomerization in the presence of a strong base to isosafrole.

This is then oxidised to 3,4-methylenedioxy phenyl-2-propanone. Finally a reductive amination with either methylamine (to make MDMA) or ethylamine (to make MDEA).

It is nearly impossible to obtain large quantities of safrole and/or sassafras oil without arousing the suspicion of law enforcement, as Safrole is currently a List I chemical.

Carcinogenicity

Safrole is shown to be a weak carcinogen in rats. It naturally occurs in a variety of spices such as basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. In that role safrole is believed, although not proven, to make a small but measurable contribution to the overall incidence of human cancerToday, safrole is also banned for use in soap and perfumes by the International Fragrance Association.

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