Determinação de 3,4-metilenodioximetanfetamina (MDMA) em comprimidos de Ecstasy por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detecção por fluorescência (CLAE-DF) Determination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Ecstasy tablets by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD)

A simple and selective HPLC method with fluorescence detection was developed and validated to determine MDMA content in Ecstasy tablets. Analysis used a reversed-phase column and isocratic elution. The method showed adequate linearity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy. MDMA concentration in the analyzed tablets varied widely (8.5 to 59.5 mg/tablet) despite uniform tablet weights, indicating poor manufacturing control and additional health risks for users.

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Abstract

This paper describes the development and validation of simple and selective analytical method for determination of 3.4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Ecstasy tablets, using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Analysis was performed in a reversed phase column (LiChrospher 100 C18, 150 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm), isocratic elution with phosphate buffer 25 mmol/L pH 3.0 and acetonitrile (95:5, v/v). The method presents adequate linearity, selectivity, precision and accuracy. MDMA concentration in analyzed tablets showed a remarkable variability (from 8.5 to 59.5 mg/tablet) although the tablet weights were uniform, indicating poor manufacturing control thus imposing additional health risks to the users.