ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 11

Abuse of Smoking Methamphetamine Mixed with Tobacco: II. The Formation Mechanism of Pyrolysis Products
Sekine, H
Forensic scientist, Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Saitama Prefecture Police Headquarters,

Nakahara, Y
Section chief, Narcotic Section, National Institute of Hygienic Science,

(Received 2 May 1989; accepted 19 June 1989)

Abstract

The pyrolysis products of smoking methamphetamine mixed with tobacco were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods. The mainstream smoke contained methamphetamine (14.5% of the initial methamphetamine), phenylacetone (3.1%), N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine (1.9%), trans-β-methylstyrene (1.7%), N-formylmethamphetamine (1.5%), and other products (each <1%). The amount of each pyrolysis product in the sidestream smoke was less than that in the mainstream smoke by a factor of over 5, except for methamphetamine (10.5%) and N-formylmethamphetamine (1.4%). The formation mechanism of these products was investigated, by use of a pyrolyzer, from the standpoint of the material, pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis atmosphere. Although several products (for example, dimethylamphetamine and trans-β-methylstyrene) were formed by thermal self-decomposition of methamphetamine alone, most of the products, except N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine, were formed chiefly by the thermal reaction of methamphetamine with cigarette components. The formation of N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine required air and a high pyrolysis temperature. Air and a high pyrolysis temperature generally accelerated the formation of the pyrolysis products.

Keywords:
toxicology, methamphetamine, tobacco, pyrolyses, drug abuse by smoking, pyrolysis products, N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine

Paper ID: JFS12864J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12864J
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