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Guilty by dissociation-development of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other rapid screening methods for the analysis of 13 diphenidine-derived new psychoactive substances (NPSs).

Pierre M Geyer, Matthew C Hulme, Joseph P B Irving, Paul D Thompson, Ryan N Ashton, Robert J Lee, Lucy Johnson, Jack Marron, Craig E Banks, Oliver B Sutcliffe

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry November 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9969-y (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Method validation study Peer reviewed
Population 13 synthesised diphenidine derivatives
Keywords Characterisation nmr, ft-ir Diphenidine Gc–ms Methoxphenidine New psychoactive substances Triage
Key points A validated GC-MS method enables both general screening and quantification of 13 diphenidine derivatives in seized solid samples, pure or adulterated.

Abstract

The prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in forensic casework has increased prominently in recent years. This has given rise to significant legal and analytical challenges in the identification of these substances. The requirement for validated, robust and rapid testing methodologies for these compounds is obvious. This study details the analysis of 13 synthesised diphenidine derivatives encountered in casework using presumptive testing, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Specifically, the validated GC-MS method provides, for the first time, both a general screening method and quantification of the active components for seized solid samples, both in their pure form and in the presence of common adulterants. Graphical Abstract Chemical synthesis and forensic analysis of 13 diphenidine-derived new psychoactive substance(s).