NCJ Number
139921
Journal
Japanese Journal of Legal Medicine Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 244- 253
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This research identified optical isomers (d- and l-) of methamphetamine (MAMP) using GC-MS analysis. Experiments using an optically resolvable reagent of N-trifluoroacetyl-L-prolyl chloride (L-TPC) and HPLC analysis using chiral cellulose-based columns were compared.
Abstract
Contrary to the hypothesis, the analysis demonstrated two diastereomers for d-MAMP and two for l-MAMP. These results were attributed to a small proportion of d-TPC present in l-TPC. In the HPLC analysis, d- and l- isomers of MAMP and amphetamine (AMP) were isolated using only one analytical procedure, and the l/d ratio was calculated. In experiments involving cadavers dead by MAMP poisoning, only d-MAMP and the metabolite d-AMP were detected; neither l-MAMP nor l-AMP could be identified. A high concentration of d-MAMP was found in the gastric contents, brain, lung, and liver samples of the victims. Only d-MAMP could be detected in tests conducted on MAMP powder. The authors suggest that this chiral column HPLC procedure could be applied to medicolegal practice and forensic science investigation. 4 tables, 4 figures, and 17 references