ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 13

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Identification of the Phenylalkylamine Alkaloids of Khat Using a Chiral Solvating Agent
Lavoie, A
Research Scientist, Research Technologist, Undergraduate Student and Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ontario

Dawson, BA
Research Scientist, Research Technologist, Undergraduate Student and Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ontario

Black, DB
Research Scientist, Research Technologist, Undergraduate Student and Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ontario

LeBelle, MJ
Research Scientist, Research Technologist, Undergraduate Student and Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ontario

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance was used for the identification of three major alkaloids in dried leaves of the khat plant, Catha edulis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of plant extracts confirmed the presence of cathinone, norpseudoephedrine and norephedrine. The subsequent addition of a chiral solvating agent, (S)-(−)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol, to these NMR solutions enabled the identification of the various enantiomers of these alkaloids. Both the (S)- and (R)- enantiomers of cathinone were detected. The results from the determination of the alkaloid ratios in the dried plant material by the NMR method are compared to those obtained by a previously developed gas chromatographic method.

Keywords:
criminalistics, Chiral solvating agent, binaphthol, khat, catha edulis, cathinone, cathine identification, derivatization

Paper ID: JFS13681J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13681J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.