Comparative Analysis of the Chemical Profiles of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Based on Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC GC-TOFMS)

• NCJ Number: 242039
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 1181-1189
• Author(s): Marion Schaffer, M.Sc.; Thomas Groger, M.Sc.; Michael Putz, Dipl.-Chem; Susanne Dieckmann, Dipl.-Chem; Ralf Zimmermann, Ph.D.
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The chemical profiling of illicit drugs is an important analytical tool to support the work of investigating and law enforcement authorities.

Abstract

The chemical profiling of illicit drugs is an important analytical tool to support the work of investigating and law enforcement authorities. In this work, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC GC-TOFMS) combined with nontargeted, pixel-based data analysis was adapted for the chemical profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The validity and benefit of this approach was evaluated by analyzing a well-investigated set of MDMA samples. Samples were prepared according to a harmonized extraction protocol to ensure the comparability of the chemical signatures. The nontargeted approach comprises preprocessing followed by analysis of variances as a fast filter algorithm for selection of a variable subset followed by partial least squares discriminant analysis for reduction to promising marker compounds for discrimination of the samples according to their chemical profile. Forty-seven potential marker compounds were determined, covering most of the target impurities known from the harmonized one-dimensional profiling as well as other compounds not previously elucidated. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.