Journal Published Online: 01 May 1988
Volume 33, Issue 3

The Examination of Illicit Cocaine

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A laboratory system of examination of illicit cocaine exhibits is described. Separation and identification of many of the components in exhibits are achieved by the use of capillary column gas chromatography and a Finnigan ion trap detector. Further examination and quantitation of the components of exhibits is achieved using two high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) systems. Both of these systems use identical reverse phase C8 columns. System 1 employs a solvent composed of 40% acetonitrile, 10% tetrahydrofuran and 50% 0.1% v/v aqueous triethylamine. The eluant is monitored at 280 nm. This system is preferred for routine quantitative analysis of cocaine and related alkaloids in exhibits. System 2 employs a solvent composed of 30% acetonitrile and 70% 0.05M phosphate buffer (pH = 5.0). The eluant from this system is monitored at both 220 and 280 nm. This system offers advantages in sensitivity. The relative retention times of a number of relevant substances as determined with gas chromatography and the two HPLC systems are given. The utility of the methodology for the identification and comparison of exhibits is demonstrated.

Author Information

LeBelle, M
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Lauriault, G
Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Callahan, S
Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Latham, D
Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Chiarelli, C
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Beckstead, H
Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Pages: 14
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS12475J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12475J