Chemical Interconversion of GHB and GBL: Forensic Issues and Implications

• NCJ Number: 192031
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1315-1323
• Author(s): Laura A. Ciolino Ph.D.; Mantai Z. Mesmer Ph.D.; R. Duane Satzger Ph.D.; A. Caroline Machal B.S.; Heather A. McCauley B.S.; Angie S. Mohrhaus B.S.
• Date Published: November 2001
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the interconversion of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) in a variety of aqueous media, which is a poular medium for consuming these drugs of abuse.

Abstract

The effects of solution pH and time were determined by spiking GHB or GBL into pure water and buffered aqueous solutions and determining the GHB and GBL contents at various time intervals. The degree of GBL hydrolysis to GHB was determined for several commercial aqueous-based GBL products and further studied as a function of time. The effects of temperature and time were also determined for five commercial beverages spiked with GHB or GBL. GHB and GBL contents were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. GHB and/or GBL confirmations were made by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and/or infrared spectroscopy. Solution pH, time, and storage temperature were determined to be important factors that affected the rate and extent of GBL hydrolysis to GHB. Under strongly alkaline conditions (pH 12.0), GBL was completely converted to GHB within minutes. In pure water, GBL reacted to form an equilibrium mixture that comprised ca. 2:1 GBL:GHB over a period of months. This same equilibrium mixture was established from either GHB or GBL in strongly acidic solution (pH 2.0) within days. A substantial portion of GBL (ca. 1/3) was hydrolyzed to GHB in aqueous-based GBL products and in spiked commercial beverages after ambient storage for a period that ranged from several weeks to several months. Heat increased and refrigeration decreased the rate of GBL hydrolysis relative to ambient conditions. These studies show that hydrolysis of GBL to GHB does occur in aqueous-based solutions, with samples and time frames that are relevant to forensic testing. Implications for forensic testing are discussed, and recommendations are offered. 7 figures, 4 tables, and 31 references