ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1985
Page Count: 26

The Isolation and Identification of Precursors and Reaction Products in the Clandestine Manufacture of Methaqualone and Mecloqualone
Meyers, JA
Forensic chemists, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, North Central Laboratory, IL

Angelos, SA
Forensic chemists, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, North Central Laboratory, IL

(Received 11 August 1984; accepted 13 December 1984)

Abstract

Abuse of the hypnotic quinazolinone is well recognized and increasing. Clandestine laboratories producing methaqualone (2-methyl-3-othro-tolyl-4(3H) quinazolinone) and mecloqualone (2-methyl-3-othro-chlorophenyl-4(3H) quinazolinone) have been discovered throughout the United States. These laboratories utilize one of many synthesis routes to produce the illicit quinazolinone. Frequently, the clandestine chemist has little, if any, formal education in chemistry; does not keep notes; and does not label flasks and beakers containing solutions. The forensic chemist may be asked to analyze unmarked reaction mixtures that were seized in a clandestine laboratory raid. As a result, a rapid method of isolation and identification of the precursors and products of such a mixture is presented.

Keywords:
toxicology, drug identification, methaqualone, mecloqualone

Paper ID: JFS11044J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11044J
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