Microcrystalline identification of selected designer drugs

Elie, Leonie; Baron, Mark; Croxton, Ruth; Elie, Mathieu

Abstract

A microcrystalline test for the detection of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), benzylpiperazine (BZP) and 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI) using aqueous solutions of mercury chloride is described. Each of the compounds investigated formed specific drug–reagent crystals within minutes. The uniqueness of the test was confirmed by comparison of the microcrystalline response to that of other psychoactive stimulants and a common cutting agent. The limit of detection and cut-off levels for reference standards were established to 3 g/L and 5 g/L for mephedrone, 0.5 g/L for MDAI and 0.2 g/L and 0.3 g/L for BZP, respectively. Various mixtures of standards of either mephedrone, BZP or MDAI combined with caffeine were investigated for their microcrystalline response. Results showed that simultaneous detection of drug and cutting agent was possible with the concentrations tested but were dependant on the ratio of drug to cutting agent. BZP could be detected alongside caffeine from as low as 20% (v/v), MDAI from 40% (v/v) and mephedrone from 50% (v/v) and higher. Finally, seven samples of online purchased ‘legal highs’ were analysed using the developed test and the findings were compared to FTIR and GC–MS results. It was shown that 6 out of 7 samples did not contain the advertised active ingredient. Five samples consisted of BZP, caffeine and 1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (3-TFMPP). The microcrystalline tests carried out on these samples showed positive results for both BZP and caffeine without interference from other substances present.

Citation

Elie, L., Baron, M., Croxton, R., & Elie, M. (2012). Microcrystalline identification of selected designer drugs. Forensic Science International, 214(1-3), 182-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.08.005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 4, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Sep 1, 2011
• Publication Date: Jan 10, 2012
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 18, 2019
• Journal: Forensic Science International
• Print ISSN: 0379-0738
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 214
• Issue: 1-3
• Pages: 182-188
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.08.005
• Keywords: Mephedrone; MDAI; Benzylpiperazine; Legal high; Microcrystalline test; Designer drugs
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3316293
• Related Public URLs: http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/4747/1/microcrystalline_identification_of_selected_designer_drugs.pdf
• Contract Date: Dec 18, 2019