NCJ Number
182162
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 2 Dated: Marc h 2000 Pages: 413-417
Date Published
March 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study used solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography (GC) for the extraction and analysis of impurities in "ecstasy" tablets (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-amphetamine) obtained from various street drug seizures; comparisons were made of their chemical signatures (profiles).
Abstract
Sixteen different samples of ecstasy tablets used in the study were provided by the Forensic Science Services, Metropolitan Laboratory, London. Five portions of the same ecstasy sample were extracted by SPE and analyzed by GC-FID. SPE of impurities in ecstasy tablets proved to be more efficient than the traditional liquid-liquid extraction. SPE provided impurity peaks with higher intensities than did liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and a shorter extraction time. Samples from different seizures (packages) showed little variations and great similarities, indicating common batch origin, and those from different packages showed great variation, indicating different batch origin. Among the numerous advantages of using SPE for profiling illicit drugs are efficiency, no cross-contamination of phases, and no emulsion problems, as with LLE, due to the presence of fatty acids in ecstasy tablets. Further profiling can be difficult with a sample of high purity, since the impurity profile is dependent on impurity abundance in the sample. SPE can provide excellent impurity profiles with superior selectivity, high recovery, and reduced organic solvents consumption. There is the possibility of automating the extraction procedure with SPE more easily than with LLE. 1 table, 4 figures, and 34 references