Journal Published Online: 01 July 1991
Volume 36, Issue 4

Comparison of Illicit Cocaine by Determination of Minor Components

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) combined with both a flame ionization detector (FID) and a mass spectrometer (MS) were used to determine the minor components in illicit uncut cocaine. Two HPLC systems were used to determine, in cocaine exhibits, the relative amounts of the main coca alkaloids: cocaine, cis-cinnamoylmethylecgonine (CIS), and trans-cinnamoyl-methylecgonine (TRANS). GC/FID and GC/MS were used to determine only the acidic and neutral components of cocaine exhibits. The significance of the presence of these minor components and their use to the forensic chemist for the matching and comparison of exhibits are discussed.

Author Information

LeBelle, M
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Callahan, S
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Latham, D
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Lauriault, G
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Savard, C
Drug Identification Laboratory, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Pages: 19
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13126J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13126J