This article reports on a project In which the semi-quantitative headspace analysis of fentanyl analogs and confiscated fentanyl exhibits was accomplished using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS).
The availability of fentanyl is at a record high, with 3,138 kg of fentanyl and related substances being seized in 2019. Fentanyl’s high toxicity makes a lethal dose for most mere milligrams. With such a high potency and a consistent rise of abuse, the chances of injury or death of frontline workers increase with every interaction. Development of a non-contact detection method for fentanyl would decrease the chances of a workplace mishap. To aid in the development of a non-contact detection method, target analytes in the vapor profile of fentanyl need to be identified. In the current project, the vapor signatures of the samples were compared to a previously reported reference-grade fentanyl vapor signature to determine the target analyte(s) for fentanyl detection in the vapor phase. A total of 20 fentalogs and confiscated exhibits, with masses ranging from 2 to 19 mg, were sampled. N-Phenylpropanamide(NPPA) or N-phenethyl-4-piperidone(NPP) was identified as target analytes in 75 percent of these samples. This is a crucial component for the development of a non-contact detection method for fentanyl. (publisher abstract modified)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- In Vitro Structure-activity Relationships and Forensic Case Series of Emerging 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'Nitazene' Opioids
- High-throughput LC-PDA Method for Determination of Δ9-THC and Related Cannabinoids in Cannabis Sativa
- Quantitative Analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in Cannabis Plants Using the Fast Blue BB (FBBB) and 4-aminophenol (4-AP) Colorimetric Tests