Abstract
A fast and non-destructive voltammetric method to detect cocaine in confiscated samples based on carbon paste electrode modified with methoxy-substituted N,N'-ethylene-bis(salcylideneiminato)uranyl(VI)complexes, [UO2(X-MeOSalen)(H2O)].H2O, where X corresponds to the positions 3, 4 or 5 of the methoxy group on the aromatic ring, is described. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode and the electrochemical detection of cocaine were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Using 0.1 mol·L−1 KCl as supporting-electrolyte, a concentration-dependent, well-defined peak current for cocaine at 0.62 V, with an amperometric sensitivity of 6.25 × 104 μA·mol·L−1 for cocaine concentrations ranging between 1.0 × 10−7 and 1.3 × 10−6 mol·L−1 was obtained. Chemical interference studies using lidocaine and procaine were performed. The position of the methoxy group affects the results, with the 3-methoxy derivative being the most sensitive.
Highlights
IntroductionIn the early twentieth century, it was used as a component of tonics and beverages
Cocaine (Figure 1) is the main alkaloid extracted from Erythroxylum coca
Carbon paste electrodes were chemically modified with the Schiff base complexes
Summary
In the early twentieth century, it was used as a component of tonics and beverages. Today, it is almost exclusively associated with its misuse, which poses great health risks and can even lead to death. Cocaine acts as a local anesthetic and stimulates the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness and euphoria [2]. These effects stem from the ability of cocaine to block synaptic dopamine reuptake. This alkaloid blocks norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, so chronic cocaine use modifies these neurotransmitter systems [3]
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