Journal Published Online: 01 November 1993
Volume 38, Issue 6

The Application of Capillary Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detection in the Comparative Analyses of Illicit Cocaine Samples

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The gas chromatographic detection of manufacturing impurities in illicit cocaine can be enhanced by chemical derivatization and the use of an electron-capture detector. After derivatization of illicit cocaine hydrochloride samples with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, the isolated heptafluorobutyryl derivatives of the cocaine impurities were subjected to capillary gas chromatography-electron capture detection analysis. The on-column detection of cocaine impurities at low picogram levels was possible for compounds such as N-norcocaine and other N-demethylated impurities, amidic by-products, including N-benzoylnorecgonine methyl ester and tertiary amines possessing hydroxy functions. The latter compounds include the so-called hydroxycocaine impurities, believed to be new coca leaf alkaloids. This methodology is especially suited for sample comparison analyses.

Author Information

Moore, JM
Special Testing and Research Laboratory, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, McLean, Virginia
Cooper, DA
Special Testing and Research Laboratory, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, McLean, Virginia
Pages: 19
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Stock #: JFS13535J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13535J