Bioisosteric Fluorine in the Clandestine Design of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Over the past decade, a plethora of indole-based synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have emerged with their structures clearly inspired by scientific literature. Their structures continually evolve to elude detection by law enforcement and circumvent finite scheduling laws. The latest generation of SCs follow patent literature that encompasses a bioisosteric fluorine-for-hydrogen replacement commonly applied in medicinal chemistry. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical development, where rigorous preclinical evaluation is completed before human administration, these SCs are distributed for intended recreational consumption with little-to-no pharmacological data known. This highlight explores the evolution of SCs to this latest generation of fluorinated SCs where accumulating evidence indicates increased health concerns.