Abstract
A new LCMS approach is tested for the analysis of controlled substances using bath salts (cathinones) as a model system. Since the structure of cathinones have a polar functionality (the amine group) as well as an aromatic component, separation on the LC column could be achieved in the reversed-phase(RP) or aqueous normal phase (ANP) modes. Since silica hydride columns can function in both modes they have considerable potential for the analysis of substances that have both polar and nonpolar functionalities. Four different silica hydride-based columns (C18, phenyl, cholesterol and diol) are tested in either the RP or ANP and RP modes using representative compounds to determine their applicability to bath salt analysis. A protocol for the analysis of a related illicit drug, benzylpiperazine, is developed on another silica hydride column (Diamond Hydride) in the ANP mode. Further testing is done on physiological samples, saliva (with 78–98% recovery) and hair, in order to determine that the approach outlined in this study could be utilized for these and other controlled substances in biological matrices.
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