Thin Layer Chromatography/Fluorescence Detection of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Related Compounds

• NCJ Number: 225601
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 1367-1371
• Author(s): Noriyuki Kato B.Pharm.; Susumu Fujita B.Pharm.; Hikoto Ohta Ph.D.; Makoto Fukuba M.Pharm.; Akira Toriba Ph.D.; Kazuichi Hayakawa Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2008
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports on a rapid and sensitive method, using thin layer chromatography/fluorescence, for detecting 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and related compounds in urine.

Abstract

The MDMA-related compounds identified are 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butamine, N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-butamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxydimethylamphetamine. The procedure used involved thin-layer chromatography with fluorescence detection. The compounds identified form fluorophores on the developing plate following spraying with a reagent that consisted of sodium hypochlorite, potassium hexacyanoferrate, and sodium hydroxide and heating for 3 minutes at 100°C. Blue fluorescent spots were observed under ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 250-400 nm. The detection limits for MDMA and the aforementioned compounds were 50 ng. The detailed descriptions of materials and methods address reagents, analytical instrumentation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, test compound treatment, thin-layer chromatography, and urine sample treatment. 5 figures, 2 tables, and 20 references