ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1983
Page Count: 28

Identification of Some Interferences in the Analysis of Clorazepate
Suzuki, EM
Criminalists, Chemical Analysis Unit, Criminalistics Section, Crime Laboratory System, Washington State Patrol, WA

Gresham, WR
Criminalists, Chemical Analysis Unit, Criminalistics Section, Crime Laboratory System, Washington State Patrol, WA

(Received 2 November 1982; accepted 13 December 1982)

Abstract

Clorazepate presents several problems in identification. In addition to rapid acid decarboxylation to N-desmethyldiazepam, a noncontrolled substance often confused with clorazepate, extracts of the pharmaceutical forms (Tranxene^™ and Azenez^™ capsules) contain substances that interfere with isolation of intact and unaltered clorazepate. These substances have been identified and have been found to be quite dependent on both capsule type and, especially, on capsule age. The cause of the conversion of dipotassium clorazepate to the monopotassium salt, following solution, has also been identified. An infrared analysis method, which removes all of the interferences, is presented.

Keywords:
toxicology, clorazepate, spectroscopic analysis

Paper ID: JFS11562J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11562J
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