ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

The Mass Spectrum of Cocaine
Smith, RM
Quality assurance coordinator, Crime Laboratory, WI

(Received 17 June 1996; accepted 9 September 1996)

Abstract

The current literature allows an analysis of the electron impact mass spectral fragmentations of cocaine (I). Using published high-resolution mass measurements as a reference, the mass spectra of several cocaine derivatives were examined—specifically those having individual functional group modifications at the nitrogen, alkyl ester group, aromatic ring and two-carbon bridge. Previously proposed major fragmentation pathways are supported by these data, and structures and mechanisms for lesser fragmentations are proposed. The relative intensities of the m/z 152 ions in the mass spectra of the cocaine diasteromers are rationalized based on these proposals.

Keywords:
forensic science, substance abuse, cocaine, chemistry, mass spectrometry

Paper ID: JFS14150J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14150J
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