Journal Published Online: 01 March 1992
Volume 37, Issue 2

A Rapid Gas Chromatographic Method for the Fingerprinting of Illicit Cocaine Samples

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A gas chromatographic (GC) fingerprint method, based on the presence or absence of six congeners, was developed for illicit cocaine samples. The fingerprint utilizes the relative abundances of these congeners towards each other, disregarding cocaine as the main constituent, and can be expressed numerically or graphically in the form of pictograms for rapid visual comparison. The method can be applied directly to a solution of the sample in chloroform, without previous workup procedures. More than 70 unrelated samples were analyzed and a great variation was observed in the parameter composition. On the other hand, a remarkable similarity could be seen between related samples. The GC fingerprint method may be considered an important contribution for sample comparison, as is exemplified by a subdivision of the analyzed samples in different categories, based on the number and types of congeners found.

Author Information

Ensing, JG
University Centre for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Racamy, C
Government Laboratory of Public Health, Willizmsladt, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
de Zeeuw, RA
University Centre for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Pages: 14
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13254J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13254J