GC–MS Analysis of gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid Analogs

• NCJ Number: 305798
• Author(s): Colin Henck ; Luke Nally
• Date Published: November 2007
• Grant Number(s): 2004-LP-CX-K025
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 11, 1813

Annotation

An upper-division forensic chemistry experiment is described that involves using glycolic acid and sodium glycolate as analogs of γ-hydroxybutyric acid and its sodium salt.

Abstract

The experiment shows the use of silylation in GC–MS analysis and gives students the opportunity to work with a commonly used silylating reagent, N,O-bis[trimethylsilyl]trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). GC–MS is used to show the problem with analyzing an organic acid without derivatization and to analyze the products of silylation. (Publisher abstract provided)