Journal Published Online: 01 May 1990
Volume 35, Issue 3

Abuse of Smoking Methamphetamine Mixed with Tobacco: II. The Formation Mechanism of Pyrolysis Products

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The pyrolysis products of smoking methamphetamine mixed with tobacco were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods. The mainstream smoke contained methamphetamine (14.5% of the initial methamphetamine), phenylacetone (3.1%), N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine (1.9%), trans-β-methylstyrene (1.7%), N-formylmethamphetamine (1.5%), and other products (each <1%). The amount of each pyrolysis product in the sidestream smoke was less than that in the mainstream smoke by a factor of over 5, except for methamphetamine (10.5%) and N-formylmethamphetamine (1.4%). The formation mechanism of these products was investigated, by use of a pyrolyzer, from the standpoint of the material, pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis atmosphere. Although several products (for example, dimethylamphetamine and trans-β-methylstyrene) were formed by thermal self-decomposition of methamphetamine alone, most of the products, except N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine, were formed chiefly by the thermal reaction of methamphetamine with cigarette components. The formation of N-cyanomethylmethamphetamine required air and a high pyrolysis temperature. Air and a high pyrolysis temperature generally accelerated the formation of the pyrolysis products.

Author Information

Sekine, H
Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Saitama Prefecture Police Headquarters, Saitama, Japan
Nakahara, Y
Narcotic Section, National Institute of Hygienic Science, Tokyo, Japan
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12864J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12864J