ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Potassium Nitrite Reaction with 11-Nor-Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid in Urine in Relation to the Drug Screening Analysis
Tuinman, A
Research Chemist, University of Tennessee,

Lewis, LA
Development Chemists, Analytical Services Organization, Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., TN

Lewis, SA
Development Chemists, Analytical Services Organization, Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., TN

(Received 23 June 1998; accepted 19 January 1999)

Abstract

Recently potassium nitrite has been used as an adulterant to interfere with the analysis of 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in urine. A comprehensive study of the THC-COOH and nitrite reaction chemistry and stability under various conditions is presented. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and negative electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) results are given to substantiate the derived reaction mechanism and properties leading to reaction termination. The addition of potassium carbonate as a buffering agent prior to or following sample void as a means of preventing the formation of a nitroso-complexed form of the 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid is evaluated.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic toxicology, drug screening, urine, marijuana, 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, potassium nitrite, adulterant

Paper ID: JFS12022J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12022J
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