Electrophoresis, Vol.24, No.6, 1097-1104, 2003
Chiral separation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and related compounds in clandestine tablets and urine samples by capillary electrophoresis/fluorescence spectroscopy
The R-(-)- and S-(+)-isomers of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were prepared, identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and then used as standards in a series of capillary electrophoresis (CE) experiments. Using these R-(-)- and S-(+)isomers, the distribution of (RS)-MDA and (RS)-MDMA stereoisomers in clandestine tablets and suspect urine samples were identified. Several electrophoretic parameters, such as the concentration of beta-cyclodextrin used in the electrophoretic separation and the amount of organic solvents required for the separation, were optimized.
Keywords:capillary electrophoresis;chiral separation;clandestine tablet;designer drug;gas chromatography-mass spectrometry;urine