ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 1998
Page Count: 4

Determination of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) by HPLC/UV-VIS Spectrophotometry and HPLC/Thermospray Mass Spectrometry
Mesmer, MZ
Research chemist and organic branch director, United States Food and Drug Administration, Forensic Chemistry Center, OH

Duane Satzger, R
Research chemist and organic branch director, United States Food and Drug Administration, Forensic Chemistry Center, OH

(Received 18 October 1996; accepted 10 September 1997)

Abstract

This laboratory frequently receives samples that are suspected of being gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), its lactone, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), or a mixture of the two. We have developed an HPLC/UV-VIS spectrophotometric method for the separation and quantitation of GHB and GBL in illegal preparations that are available on the black market. The estimated detection limit is 50 ng injected onto the column. We are also reporting a simple and fast HPLC/thermospray mass spectrometric method for the confirmation of these compounds in illegal preparations. The characteristic mass spectrum for each compound could be obtained from as low as a 5 µg injection.

Keywords:
forensic science, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, high-performance liquid chromatography, thermospray liquid chromotography/mass spectrometry, substance abuse detection

Paper ID: JFS16174J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS16174J
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