1
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Liliedahl RE, Hutzell E, Haley M, Predecki DP, Davidson JT. The differentiation of N-butyl pentylone isomers using GC-EI-MS and NMR. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 351:111815. [PMID: 37713773 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories are faced with an ever-expanding seized drug landscape including the increasing prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cathinones, that have varying potencies and scheduling. This study demonstrates a combined gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy approach for the differentiation of N-butyl pentylone isomers based on distinct retention times, characteristic EI mass spectra, and NMR characterization. Retention time reproducibility was assessed from 60 replicate measurements for each isomer over the course of a month. In addition, the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and the stability of an identified characteristic ion ratio using spectral data from ± 1 scan on either side of the peak apex were also statistically assessed using Welch's ANOVA testing. The presence of diastereomers for N-sec-butyl pentylone was identified using the developed GC-EI-MS method, which was confirmed using one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The retention time reproducibility of the chromatographic method was ± 0.076% or less over the course of a month. An identified characteristic ion ratio between the abundance of the fragment ion at m/z 128 and the fragment ion at m/z 72 enabled the differentiation of the four N-butyl pentylone isomers, even when accounting for the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and mass spectral scans used to calculate the characteristic ion ratio. The 95% confidence interval mean abundance ratio of the fragment ions at m/z 128 and m/z 72 was 17.14 ± 0.14 for N-butyl pentylone, 6.44 ± 0.05 for N-isobutyl pentylone, 3.38 ± 0.02 for N-sec-butyl pentylone, and 0.75 ± 0.01 for N-tert-butyl pentylone. These results highlight the capabilities of a combined GC-EI-MS and NMR approach for the differentiation and characterization of synthetic cathinone isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Liliedahl
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Elise Hutzell
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA
| | - Madison Haley
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Predecki
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA.
| | - J Tyler Davidson
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
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2
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Majeed HA, Bos TS, Voeten RLC, Kranenburg RF, van Asten AC, Somsen GW, Kohler I. Trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry of new psychoactive substances: Isomer-specific identification of ring-substituted cathinones. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1264:341276. [PMID: 37230720 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic derivatives of illicit drugs designed to mimic their psychoactive effects. NPS are typically not controlled under drug acts or their legal status depends on their molecular structure. Discriminating isomeric forms of NPS is therefore crucial for forensic laboratories. In this study, a trapped ion mobility spectrometry time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TIMS-TOFMS) approach was developed for the identification of ring-positional isomers of synthetic cathinones, a class of compounds representing two-third of all NPS seized in Europe in 2020. The optimized workflow features narrow ion-trapping regions, mobility calibration by internal reference, and a dedicated data-analysis tool, allowing for accurate relative ion-mobility assessment and high-confidence isomer identification. Ortho-, meta- and para-isomers of methylmethcathinone (MMC) and bicyclic ring isomers of methylone were assigned based on their specific ion mobilities within 5 min, including sample preparation and data analysis. The resolution of two distinct protomers per cathinone isomer added to the confidence in identification. The developed approach was successfully applied to the unambiguous assignment of MMC isomers in confiscated street samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of TIMS-TOFMS for forensic case work requiring fast and highly-confident assignment cathinone-drug isomers in confiscated samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany A Majeed
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tijmen S Bos
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert L C Voeten
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben F Kranenburg
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Forensic Laboratory, Unit Amsterdam, Dutch National Police, Kabelweg 25, 1014 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Govert W Somsen
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Kohler
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Bonetti JL, Kranenburg RF, Schoonderwoerd E, Samanipour S, van Asten AC. Instrument-independent chemometric models for rapid, calibration-free NPS isomer differentiation from mass spectral GC-MS data. Forensic Sci Int 2023:111650. [PMID: 37028998 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemometric analysis of mass spectral data for the purpose of differentiating positional isomers of novel psychoactive substances has seen a substantial increase in popularity in recent years. However, the process of generating a large and robust dataset for chemometric isomer identification is time consuming and impractical for forensic laboratories. To begin to address this problem, three sets of ortho/meta/para positional ring isomers (fluoroamphetamine (FA), fluoromethamphetamine (FMA), and methylmethcathinone (MMC)) were analyzed using multiple GC-MS instruments at three distinct laboratories. A diverse assortment of instrument manufacturers, model types, and parameters was utilized in order to incorporate substantial instrumental variation. The dataset was randomly split into 70% training and 30% validation sets, stratified by instrument. Following an approach based on Design of Experiments, the validation set was used to optimize the preprocessing steps performed prior to Linear Discriminant Analysis. Using the optimized model, a minimum m/z fragment threshold was determined to allow analysts to assess whether an unknown spectrum is of sufficient abundance and quality to be compared to the model. To assess the robustness of the models, a test set was developed utilizing two instruments from a fourth laboratory that was not involved in the generation of the primary dataset in addition to spectra from widely used mass spectral libraries. Of the spectra that reached the threshold, the classification accuracy was 100% for all three isomer types. Only two of the test and validation spectra that did not reach the threshold were misclassified. The results indicate that forensic illicit drug experts world-wide can use these models for robust NPS isomer identification on the basis of preprocessed mass spectral data without the need for acquiring reference drug standards and creating instrument specific GC-MS reference datasets. The continued robustness of the models could be ensured through international collaboration to collect data that captures all potential GC-MS instrumental variation encountered in forensic illicit drug analysis laboratories. This would allow every forensic institute to confidently assign isomeric structures without the need for additional chemical analysis.
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4
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Kranenburg RF, Ramaker HJ, van Asten AC. Portable near infrared spectroscopy for the isomeric differentiation of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 341:111467. [PMID: 36154979 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and efficient identification of the precise isomeric form of new psychoactive substances (NPS) by forensic casework laboratories is a relevant challenge in the forensic field. Differences in legal status occur for ring-isomeric species of the same class, thus leading to different penalties and judicial control. Portable systems such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy recently emerged as suitable techniques for the on-scene identification of common drugs of abuse such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamine. This way, the overall forensic process becomes more efficient as relevant information on substance identity becomes available directly at the scene of crime. Currently, no NIR-based applications exist for the rapid, on-scene detection of NPS isomers. Herein, we present the differentiation of cathinone and phenethylamine-type NPS analogues based on their NIR spectrum recorded in 2 seconds on a portable 1350 - 2600 nm spectrometer. A prior developed data analysis model was found suitable for the identification of the methylmethcathinone (MMC) isomers 2-MMC, 3-MMC and 4-MMC. In 51 mixtures and 22 seized casework samples, the correct isomeric form was detected in all cases except for a few mixtures with an active ingredient content of 10 wt%. These results show the feasibility of on-site NPS detection as presumptive test performed directly at the scene of crime with a small size NIR-spectrometer. Additionally, in the illicit drug analysis laboratory the combination of NIR and GC-MS analysis might be suitable for robust identification of NPS isomers and analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk-Jan Ramaker
- TIPb, Koningin Wilhelminaplein 30, Amsterdam 1062 KR, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
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5
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Guo G, Wang T, Ding X, Wang H, Wu Q, Zhang Z, Ding S, Li S, Li J. Fluorescent lanthanide metal-organic framework for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of methcathinone in human urine. Talanta 2022; 249:123663. [PMID: 35704956 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Methcathinone (MC), a new and easily abused psychoactive substance, not only has a rigorous impact on public security, but also endangers people's health. Herein, novel fluorescent europium metal-organic frameworks (Eu-MOF) were synthesized through a facile one-step solvothermal strategy and utilized as an effective "signal-off" sensing platform for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of MC. The as-fabricated Eu-MOF possessed superior optical properties encompassing bright red fluorescence and good photostability. In the presence of MC, the fluorescence of Eu-MOF was significantly quenched, mainly attributing to the internal filtering effect between Eu-MOF and MC. The fluorescent signal showed high selectivity for MC over other illicit drugs, and offered two linear ranges of 1-100 ng/mL and 100-4000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.40 ng/mL. Strikingly, the nanoprobe could be applied for the assay of MC in human urine with satisfactory recoveries and acceptable results. This work provides a promising route for MC detection to effectively control illicit drug pandemic worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxian Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ting Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hanting Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qilong Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shijia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Siqiao Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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6
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Aslani S, Armstrong DW. High Information Spectroscopic Detection Techniques for Gas Chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1676:463255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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7
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Reavis M, Goodpaster J. Quantitative analysis of smokeless powder particles in post‐blast debris via gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (
GC
/
VUV
). J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1431-1440. [PMID: 35368092 PMCID: PMC9322668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forensic analysis of smokeless powder particles recovered from the debris of an improvised explosive device can provide information about the type of smokeless powder used and can aid investigation efforts. In this study, quantitative methods were used to yield information about the difference in the chemical composition of the particles pre‐ and post‐blast. The technique, gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC/VUV), was able to quantify nitroglycerin, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, and di‐n‐butyl phthalate in pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles using heptadecane as an internal standard. Post‐blast debris was obtained via controlled explosions with assistance from the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad. Two galvanized steel and two polyvinyl chloride pipe bombs were assembled. Two devices contained single‐base smokeless powder and two contained double‐base smokeless powder. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene and diphenylamine were successfully quantified in the single‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris while nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite were successfully quantified in the double‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris. Compounds were detected at concentrations as low as 9 μg of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene per mg, <3 μg of diphenylamine per mg, 131 μg of nitroglycerin per mg, and <3 μg of ethyl centralite per mg. Concentration changes between pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles were determined as well as microscopic differences between pre‐ and post‐blast debris for both smokeless powders in all devices. To our knowledge, this is the first use of GC/VUV for the quantification of explosives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Reavis
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - John Goodpaster
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
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8
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Bonetti JL, Samanipour S, van Asten AC. Utilization of Machine Learning for the Differentiation of Positional NPS Isomers with Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2022; 94:5029-5040. [PMID: 35297608 PMCID: PMC8968871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The differentiation
of positional isomers is a well established
analytical challenge for forensic laboratories. As more novel psychoactive
substances (NPSs) are introduced to the illicit drug market, robust
yet efficient methods of isomer identification are needed. Although
current literature suggests that Direct Analysis in Real Time–Time-of-Flight
mass spectrometry (DART-ToF) with in-source collision induced dissociation
(is-CID) can be used to differentiate positional isomers, it is currently
unclear whether this capability extends to positional isomers whose
only structural difference is the precise location of a single substitution
on an aromatic ring. The aim of this work was to determine whether
chemometric analysis of DART-ToF data could offer forensic laboratories
an alternative rapid and robust method of differentiating NPS positional
ring isomers. To test the feasibility of this technique, three positional
isomer sets (fluoroamphetamine, fluoromethamphetamine, and methylmethcathinone)
were analyzed. Using a linear rail for consistent sample introduction,
the three isomers of each type were analyzed 96 times over an eight-week
timespan. The classification methods investigated included a univariate
approach, the Welch t test at each included ion;
a multivariate approach, linear discriminant analysis; and a machine
learning approach, the Random Forest classifier. For each method,
multiple validation techniques were used including restricting the
classifier to data that was only generated on one day. Of these classification
methods, the Random Forest algorithm was ultimately the most accurate
and robust, consistently achieving out-of-bag error rates below 5%.
At an inconclusive rate of approximately 5%, a success rate of 100%
was obtained for isomer identification when applied to a randomly
selected test set. The model was further tested with data acquired
as a part of a different batch. The highest classification success
rate was 93.9%, and error rates under 5% were consistently achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bonetti
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands.,Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Norfolk, Virginia 23606, United States
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands.,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Liliedahl RE, Davidson JT. The differentiation of synthetic cathinone isomers using GC-EI-MS and multivariate analysis. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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10
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Applicability of liquid and supercritical fluid chromatographic separation techniques with diode array ultraviolet detection for forensic analysis. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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11
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Nolvachai Y, Salzmann S, Zavahir JS, Doetzer R, Steiner S, Kulsing C, Marriott PJ. Structure Elucidation Using Gas Chromatography-Infrared Spectroscopy/Mass Spectrometry Supported by Quantum Chemical IR Spectrum Simulations. Anal Chem 2021; 93:15508-15516. [PMID: 34762418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An improved strategy for compound identification incorporating gas chromatography hyphenated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy (GC-FTIR/MS) is reported. (Over)reliance on MS may lead either to ambiguous identity or to incorrect identification of a compound. However, the MS result is useful to provide a cohort of possible compounds. The IR result for each tentative compound match was then simulated using molecular modeling, to provide functional group and isomer differentiation information, and then compared with the experimental FTIR result, offering identification based on both MS and IR. Several basis sets were evaluated for IR simulations; Def2-TZVPP was a suitable basis set and correlated well with experimental data. The approach was applied to industrial applications, confirming the isomers of 2,3-bis(thiosulfanyl)-but-2-enedinitrile, bromination products of 1-bromo-2,3-dimethylbenzene, and autoxidative degradation of phenyl-di-tert-butylphosphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yada Nolvachai
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800 Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Salzmann
- Digitalization of Research and Development, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - J Shezmin Zavahir
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800 Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Reinhard Doetzer
- Competence Center Analytics, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Sandra Steiner
- Competence Center Analytics, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str. 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Chadin Kulsing
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Philip J Marriott
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800 Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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12
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Sisco E, Burns A, Moorthy AS. Development and evaluation of a synthetic cathinone targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1919-1928. [PMID: 34190349 PMCID: PMC10010760 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To address challenges associated with the increased prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), laboratories often adopt new techniques or new methods with the goal of obtaining more detailed chemical information with a higher level of confidence. To demonstrate how new methods applied to existing techniques can be a viable approach, a targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for synthetic cathinones was developed. To create the method, a range of GC-MS parameters were first investigated using a seven-component test solution with the goal of minimizing compounds with overlapping acceptance windows by maximizing retention time differences within a reasonable runtime. Once developed, the targeted method was evaluated through several studies and was compared to a general GC-MS confirmatory method. The method produced a twofold increase in retention time differences of the test solution compounds with a 3.83-min shorter runtime than the general method. Limitations of the method were also studied by analyzing an additional forty-eight cathinones to identify instances where definitive compound identification may not be possible due to overlapping acceptance windows and mass spectra. Thirty-eight pairs of compounds had retention times differences of less than 2% and, of those thirty-eight, one pair had indistinguishable mass spectra. A set of case samples were also analyzed using the method to evaluate suitability for casework. An increase in split ratio was required to obtain acceptable sensitivity. The development of this method is part of a larger project to measure benefits and drawbacks of different drug chemistry workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Sisco
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Amber Burns
- Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, Pikesville, MD, USA
| | - Arun S Moorthy
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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13
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Trinklein TJ, Thapa M, Lanphere LA, Frost JA, Koresch SM, Aldstadt JH. Sequential injection analysis coupled to on-line benchtop proton NMR: Method development and application to the determination of synthetic cathinones in seized drug samples. Talanta 2021; 231:122355. [PMID: 33965022 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances (NPS), an emerging group of analogues to traditional illicit drugs which are functionalized to circumvent legal regulations. The analytical investigation of NPS by traditional methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), is challenging because newly emerging NPS may not yet appear in spectral libraries and because of the inability to determine certain positional isomers. Low-field or "benchtop" proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is an alternative that provides significant qualitative information but is particularly susceptible to matrix interferences. To this end, the development of a Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA) method which uses solid-phase extraction (SPE) to remove interfering matrix components prior to NMR determination is described. Factors including the type of SPE sorbent, column dimensions, and sample loading and elution conditions were examined. Several cathinone simulants (primary, secondary, and tertiary amines), "DEA exempt" cathinone standards, as well as authentic case samples were studied. The selectivity of the SIA-NMR-UV method was investigated against a broad range of "cutting agents" and was found to successfully remove all compounds tested with the exception of other basic drugs (e.g., acetaminophen). The limit of detection and reproducibility of the method were optimized using a Plackett-Burman screening design and Sequential Simplex optimization. Using a UV detector for dual (in series) quantification, the multivariate-optimized method produced a method limit of detection (3σ) for the cathinone simulant Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) of 23 μmol L-1, and a calibration model, in terms of UV peak area, of Area = 0.19 [PPA, mmol L-1] - 0.04. The optimized method generated ~2 mL of waste per day, and had a footprint of ~1 m2 Finally, the multivariate-optimized SIA-NMR-UV method was successfully applied to several more case samples and the cathinones were definitively identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Trinklein
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Malati Thapa
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Lexie A Lanphere
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John A Frost
- Molecular Spectroscopy Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Joseph H Aldstadt
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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14
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Lelevic A, Geantet C, Lorentz C, Moreaud M, Souchon V. Determination of vacuum ultraviolet detector response factors by hyphenation with two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. J Sep Sci 2021; 44:3849-3859. [PMID: 34387030 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography is an established technique, employed for the characterization of complex samples. Broadband vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy detection has recently attracted a lot of attention as it is a universal detection technique characterized by good selectivity but also ease of use and amenability to coupling with two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. Vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy is particularly interesting due to the possibility of performing spectral decomposition for species that coelute in gas chromatography analysis. This detector has quantitative capabilities, however not all species absorb vacuum ultraviolet radiation the same. Unfortunately, vacuum ultraviolet relative response factors for compounds are not always available. Methods to rapidly measure vacuum ultraviolet relative response factors and generate a large database that would allow calibration free quantitative analysis of complex mixtures are therefore of great interest. In this work, a universal methodology that permits rapid measurement of vacuum ultraviolet relative response factors is reported. It involves flow modulated two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography with dual vacuum ultraviolet and flame ionization detection. In this set-up, flame ionization detection is employed as a quantitative reference allowing to scale vacuum ultraviolet responses of investigated compounds. This approach was validated by flow measurements and by comparing relative response factors obtained for model compounds with literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Lelevic
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, Solaize, 69360, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IRCELYON, Villeurbanne, F-69626, France
| | - Christophe Geantet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IRCELYON, Villeurbanne, F-69626, France
| | - Chantal Lorentz
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IRCELYON, Villeurbanne, F-69626, France
| | - Maxime Moreaud
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, Solaize, 69360, France
| | - Vincent Souchon
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, Solaize, 69360, France
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15
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Kranenburg RF, Stuyver LI, de Ridder R, van Beek A, Colmsee E, van Asten AC. Deliberate evasion of narcotic legislation: Trends visualized in commercial mixtures of new psychoactive substances analyzed by GC-solid deposition-FTIR. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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16
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A critical comparison of vacuum UV (VUV) spectrometer and electron ionization single quadrupole mass spectrometer detectors for the analysis of alkylbenzenes in gasoline by gas chromatography: Experimental and statistical aspects. Talanta 2021; 225:122081. [PMID: 33592794 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in benchtop vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometers have yielded effective universal detectors for gas chromatography (GC). The ability of these detectors to acquire absorbance spectra from 125 nm to 430 nm poses an alternative to the gold standard of mass spectrometry (MS) as a sensitive and selective GC detector. The applications of GC/VUV extend into many areas. Featured here is the potential application of GC/VUV to the analysis of ignitable liquids, which may be found on debris from suspected arson fires. A particular compound class of interest is the alkylbenzenes, as they are a significant component in fuels such as gasoline, petroleum distillates, and aromatic solvents such as degreasers and cleaning solvents. To measure the sensitivity, selectivity and specificity of GC-VUV and GC-MS for alkylbenzenes we employed both library search methods and chemometric analysis using discriminant analysis. The GC-VUV detector was found to have superior specificity to the GC-MS detector in full scan mode. The GC-VUV detector was able to identify all alkylbenzenes correctly, including the correct identification of all structural isomers. LODs for both GC-VUV and GC-MS were found to be picograms on column.
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17
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Kranenburg RF, Lukken CK, Schoenmakers PJ, van Asten AC. Spotting isomer mixtures in forensic illicit drug casework with GC-VUV using automated coelution detection and spectral deconvolution. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1173:122675. [PMID: 33848800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of isomeric mixtures is a significant analytical challenge. In the forensic field, for example, over 1000 new psychoactive substances (NPSs), comprising of many closely related and often isomeric varieties, entered the drugs-of-abuse market within the last decade. Unambiguous identification of the isomeric form requires advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as GC-Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (GC-VUV). The continuous development of NPSs makes the appearance of a novel compound in case samples a realistic scenario. While several analytical solutions have been presented recently to confidently distinguish NPS isomers, the presence of multiple isomers in a single drug sample is typically not considered. Due to their structural similarities it is possible that a novel NPS coelutes with a known isomer and thus remains undetected. This study investigates the capabilities of VUV spectral deconvolution for peak detection and identification in incompletely resolved drug mixtures. To mimic worst case scenarios, severe coelution was deliberately induced at elevated GC temperatures. The deconvolution software was nevertheless able to correctly detect both substances, even in case of near-identical VUV spectra at almost full coelution. As a next step, spectra were subsequently removed from the reference library to simulate the scenario in which a novel substance was encountered for the first time in forensic case work. However, also in this situation the deconvolution software still detected the coelution. This work shows that a VUV library match score below 0.998 may serve as a warning that a novel substance may be present in a street sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Chris K Lukken
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schoenmakers
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
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18
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Murakami T, Sakamoto Y, Sugimura N, Minami E, Iwamuro Y, Ishimaru R, Chinaka S, Hasegawa H. Regioisomer Differentiation of Ring-Substituted Chloromethcathinones and Bromomethcathinones Using Gas Chromatography/Electron Ionization-Triple Quadrupole Energy-Resolved Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:601-605. [PMID: 33284010 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Positional isomers o-, m-, and p-chloromethcathinones (CMCs) and m- and p-bromomethcathinones (BMCs) were effectively differentiated using gas chromatography (GC) and energy-resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) analyses. GC demonstrated that the free bases of CMC and BMC isomers were simultaneously baseline-separated at a slow column heating rate (5 °C/min) using a conventional low-polar capillary column. ERMS showed that the trifluoroacetyl derivatives of the positional isomers differed in mass spectral abundances of both halophenyl and halobenzoyl cations. Moreover, the logarithmic plots of the abundance ratio of the two cations as a function of the collision energy (CE) exhibited marked differences among the isomers at each CE, following the order of ortho < para < meta for CMCs and para < meta for BMCs. The performed theoretical calculations of dissociation energy agreed well with the ERMS measurements. The GC and ERMS methodologies enabled unambiguous and reliable differentiation of CMC and BMC isomers. The developed approach is expected to significantly contribute to the accurate structural identification of new psychoactive substances in forensic, toxicological, and clinical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Murakami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
- Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Shimadzu Corporation, 1 Nishinokyo Kuwabara-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8511, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Sugimura
- Materials Characterization Central Laboratory, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Eriko Minami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Iwamuro
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Reiko Ishimaru
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Satoshi Chinaka
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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19
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Qiu C, Asgari P, Mao XJ, Jeon J, Schug KA. Gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis of organosilanes. Talanta 2021; 223:121781. [PMID: 33298286 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Organosilanes are used in a broad range of industrial, cosmetic, and personal care products. They serve as bridges between inorganic or organic substrates and organic/polymeric matrices. They are also versatile intermediates and can be used for a variety of synthetic applications. They do not exist naturally and have to be synthesized. Evaluation of intermediates and products resulting from the synthesis processes of organosilanes can be challenging. In this study, gas chromatography with vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopic detection (VUV) was used to analyze Si-containing compounds that are commercially available or were synthetically prepared. VUV measures full scan absorption in the range of 120-240 nm, a region that provides unique absorption signatures for chemical compounds. VUV absorption spectra of organosilanes showed rich and featured characteristics in this wavelength range. Theoretical computations of VUV absorption spectra based on time-dependent density functional theory were also explored as a complementary tool for identification. In addition, the synthesis process of isomeric benzodioxasiline compounds (ortho-, meta-, and para-) was monitored by GC-VUV. It was demonstrated that GC-VUV can be used for easy and rapid differentiation of organosilanes, including structural isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changling Qiu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, United States
| | - Parham Asgari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, United States
| | - X James Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, United States
| | - Junha Jeon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, United States
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, United States.
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20
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Roberson ZR, Goodpaster JV. Optimization of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cocaine and other drugs of abuse via gas chromatography - Vacuum ultraviolet spectrophotometry (GC - VUV). Talanta 2021; 222:121461. [PMID: 33167202 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gas Chromatography-Vacuum UV Spectroscopy (GC-VUV) has seen increased attention in many areas, however, a statistical optimization of VUV method parameters has not been published. This article presents the first statistical optimization of parameters influencing analytes such as cocaine in the VUV flow-cell. Flow-cell temperature, make-up gas pressure, and carrier gas flow rate from the GC were examined and optimized for the detection of controlled substances. The accuracy, precision, linearity, and optimized detection limits for drugs such as cocaine (98.5%, 1.2%, 0.9998, 1.5 ng), heroin (99.3%, 0.94%, 0.9998, 2.0 ng), and fentanyl (98.5%, 1.7%, 0.9752, 9.7 ng) are reported. In general, the limits of detection for cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine after optimization were comparable to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in "scan mode", which had detection limits of 1.1-38 ng on column. The VUV absorption spectra of cocaine, PCP, lorazepam, and HU-210 are also reported. And three samples of "real world" cocaine are analyzed to demonstrate applicability to forensic drug analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zackery R Roberson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford St., LD326, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - John V Goodpaster
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford St., LD326, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States; Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford St., LD326, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States.
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21
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Berger J, Staretz ME, Wood M, Brettell TA. Ultraviolet absorption properties of synthetic cathinones. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Tanen JL, Lurie IS, Marginean I. Gas chromatography with dual cold electron ionization mass spectrometry and vacuum ultraviolet detection for the analysis of phenylethylamine analogues. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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23
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Cruse CA, Pu J, Goodpaster JV. Identifying Thermal Decomposition Products of Nitrate Ester Explosives Using Gas Chromatography-Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy: An Experimental and Computational Study. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:1486-1495. [PMID: 32192365 DOI: 10.1177/0003702820915506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of nitrate ester explosives (e.g., nitroglycerine) using gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC-VUV) results in their thermal decomposition into nitric oxide, water, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and formaldehyde. These decomposition products exhibit highly structured spectra in the VUV that is not seen in larger molecules. Computational analysis using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was utilized to investigate the excited states and vibronic transitions of these decomposition products. The experimental and computational results are compared with those in previous literature using synchrotron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), photoabsorption spectroscopy, and other computational excited state methods. It was determined that a benchtop GC-VUV detector gives comparable results to those previously reported, and TDDFT could predict vibronic spacing and model molecular orbital diagrams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Cruse
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, USA
| | - Jingzhi Pu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, USA
| | - John V Goodpaster
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, USA
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24
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May MC, Pavone DC, Lurie IS. The separation and identification of synthetic cathinones by portable low microflow liquid chromatography with dual capillary columns in series and dual wavelength ultraviolet detection. J Sep Sci 2020; 43:3756-3764. [PMID: 32743973 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study ascertained the viability of a portable liquid chromatograph, operating at low microliter per minute flow, for the analysis of seized drugs at remote sites as well as in laboratory settings. Synthetic cathinones were screened using dual capillary columns in series, C8 and biphenyl, with on-column ultraviolet detection at 255 and 275 nm. The relative retention times of the two columns in series and their peak area absorbance ratio were used to determine if the 16 synthetic cathinones investigated could be uniquely identified in these conditions. Based on these parameters all of the analytes could be distinguished. Representative mixtures of synthetic cathinones were used to determine the repeatability, linearity, and limits of detection of the method. This cost effective and green instrumentation has the potential to satisfy minimum international guidelines for the analysis of seized drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa C May
- Department of Forensic Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David C Pavone
- Department of Forensic Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- Department of Forensic Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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25
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Kranenburg RF, Verduin J, Stuyver LI, de Ridder R, van Beek A, Colmsee E, van Asten AC. Benefits of derivatization in GC–MS-based identification of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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26
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Ploumen C, Marginean I, Lurie IS. The utility of silica hydride-based stationary phases for dual-mode ultra high performance liquid chromatography separation of synthetic cathinone positional isomers. J Sep Sci 2020; 43:3449-3457. [PMID: 32628806 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Emerging drugs usually mimic the effects of traditional drugs, but are not always controlled due to the chemically altered structures. Positional isomers of emerging drugs are difficult to analyze because they challenge the separation and detection techniques commonly employed by forensic laboratories. The utility of silica hydride stationary phases for the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography separation of synthetic cathinone positional isomers was studied in this manuscript. SiH phases are operable under both reversed phase and aqueous normal phase chromatographic conditions without the need to change solvent reservoirs. The separation of eight positional isomers of the synthetic cathinone, pentedrone, was investigated using five silica hydride phases, and compared to a classical dual column reversed phase, hydrophilic interaction chromatography system, and to a bimodal pentaflurophenyl column. Significant selectivity differences were observed using either a combination of a classical reversed phase C18 and NP Silica columns or the various bimodal columns. The silica hydride silica-C column, which contains no derivatized ligands attached to the silica hydride backbone, not only gave the most orthogonal separation of the bimodal columns, but provided a unique separation of all eight positional isomers (resolution ≥ 1) using the combination of reverse phase and aqueous normal phase chromatographic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Ploumen
- Department of Forensic Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Ioan Marginean
- Department of Forensic Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- Department of Forensic Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
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27
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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28
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Kranenburg RF, van Geenen FAMG, Berden G, Oomens J, Martens J, van Asten AC. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Identification of Synthetic Drug Isomers Using Infrared Ion Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7282-7288. [PMID: 32286052 PMCID: PMC7240807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infrared ion spectroscopy (IRIS), a mass-spectrometry-based technique exploiting resonant infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD), has been applied for the identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Identification of the precise isomeric forms of NPS is of significant forensic relevance since legal controls are dependent on even minor molecular differences such as a single ring-substituent position. Using three isomers of fluoroamphetamine and two ring-isomers of both MDA and MDMA, we demonstrate the ability of IRIS to distinguish closely related NPS. Computationally predicted infrared (IR) spectra are shown to correspond with experimental spectra and could explain the molecular origins of their distinctive IR absorption bands. IRIS was then used to investigate a confiscated street sample containing two unknown substances. One substance could easily be identified by comparison to the IR spectra of reference standards. For the other substance, however, this approach proved inconclusive due to incomplete mass spectral databases as well as a lack of available reference compounds, two common analytical limitations resulting from the rapid development of NPS. Most excitingly, the second unknown substance could nevertheless be identified by using computationally predicted IR spectra of several potential candidate structures instead of their experimental reference spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F. Kranenburg
- Unit
Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Dutch National
Police, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
| | - Fred A. M. G. van Geenen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Giel Berden
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Oomens
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Martens
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
- Co
van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic
Science and Medicine, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
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29
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Revealing hidden information in GC–MS spectra from isomeric drugs: Chemometrics based identification from 15 eV and 70 eV EI mass spectra. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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30
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de Castro JS, Rodrigues CHP, Bruni AT. In Silico Infrared Characterization of Synthetic Cannabinoids by Quantum Chemistry and Chemometrics. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:2100-2114. [PMID: 32118417 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The concept of forensic sciences as mere trace analysis has been modified by the idea of forensic intelligence, which entails applying data to make decisions within the investigative process. Many countries are engaged in combating drug trafficking and drug use because they are related to public health and safety issues. Prohibiting the consumption of traditional drugs has led new psychoactive substances (NPSs) to emerge. NPSs consist of compounds that resemble the initially banned substance and which aim to mimic the traditional drug recreational effects while circumventing drug legislation. For example, synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed on herbal products to reproduce the cannabis recreational effects. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the toxic effects of synthetic cannabis types are unknown, and harm and fatalities associated with the use of these drugs have been reported. Information on the characterization related to these species is lacking. The rate at which NPSs appear poses a significant challenge because employing conventional methods to understand the characteristics of these compounds may require time and be costly. This work uses in silico practices as an alternative to understand how NPSs related to cannabis behave. We apply quantum chemistry methods to evaluate several synthetic cannabinoids recognized in forensic samples. More specifically, we generate infrared spectra that can be employed as a benchmark for NPSs. We apply a multivariate classification to evaluate the results. We conclude that in silico methods are an alternative that provide information about the spectra of undetected substances. This information can help to identify new drugs, to increase knowledge about them, and to feed information procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Simões de Castro
- Departamento de Quı́mica, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense). Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901
| | - Caio Henrique Pinke Rodrigues
- Departamento de Quı́mica, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense). Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901
| | - Aline Thaís Bruni
- Departamento de Quı́mica, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense). Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, 14040-901
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Instrumental and chemometric analysis of opiates via gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectrophotometry (GC-VUV). Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:1123-1128. [PMID: 31900537 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Since its introduction, gas chromatography (GC) coupled to vacuum ultraviolet spectrophotometry (VUV) has been shown to complement mass spectrometry (MS) for materials such as petrochemicals, explosives, pesticides, and drugs. In forensic chemistry, opioids are commonly encountered but rarely are the samples pure. This work focuses on GC-VUV analysis applied to naturally occurring (e.g., morphine), semi-synthetic (e.g., heroin), and synthetic (fentanyl) opioids as well as common adulterants and diluents (e.g., lidocaine and quinine). The specificity of the VUV spectra were examined visually as well as via descriptive statistical methods (e.g., correlation coefficients and sums of square residuals). Multivariate pattern recognition techniques (principal component analysis and discriminant analysis (DA)) were used to prove the opioid spectra can be reliably differentiated. The accuracy of the DA model was 100% for a test set of VUV spectra. Finally, three "street" heroin samples were analyzed to show "real-world" performance for forensic analyses. These samples contained adulterants such as caffeine, as well as by-products of heroin manufacture.
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32
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Mao JX, Walsh P, Kroll P, Schug KA. Simulation of Vacuum Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra: Paraffin, Isoparaffin, Olefin, Naphthene, and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Class Compounds. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:72-80. [PMID: 31517520 DOI: 10.1177/0003702819875132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The advent of a new vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopic absorption detector for gas chromatography has enabled applications in many areas. Theoretical simulations of VUV spectra using computational chemistry can aid the new technique in situations where experimental spectra are unavailable. In this study, VUV spectral simulations of paraffin, isoparaffin, olefin, naphthene, and aromatic (PIONA) compounds using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods were investigated. Important factors for the simulations, such as functionals/basis sets and formalism of oscillator strength calculations, were examined and parameters for future PIONA compound simulations were obtained by fitting computational results to experimental spectra. The simulations produced satisfactory correlations between experimental observations and theoretical calculations, and enabled potential analysis applications for complex higher distillate fuels, such as diesel fuel. Further improvement of the methods was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James X Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, USA
| | | | - Peter Kroll
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, USA
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, USA
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33
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Lelevic A, Souchon V, Moreaud M, Lorentz C, Geantet C. Gas chromatography vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy: A review. J Sep Sci 2019; 43:150-173. [PMID: 31750981 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201900770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated technological progress and increased complexity of interrogated matrices imposes a demand for fast, powerful, and resolutive analysis techniques. Gas chromatography has been for a long time a 'go-to' technique for the analysis of mixtures of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Coupling of the several dimensions of gas chromatography separation has allowed to access a realm of improved separations in the terms of increased separation power and detection sensitivity. Especially comprehensive separations offer an insight into detailed sample composition for complex samples. Combining these advanced separation techniques with an informative detection system such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy is therefore of great interest. Almost all molecules absorb the vacuum ultraviolet radiation and have distinct spectral features with compound classes exhibiting spectral signature similarities. Spectral information can be 'filtered' to extract the response in the most informative spectral ranges. Developed algorithms allow spectral mixture estimation of coeluting species. Vacuum ultraviolet detector follows Beer-Lambert law, with the possibility of calibrationless quantitation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the features and specificities of gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy coupling which has gained interest since the recent introduction of a commercial vacuum ultraviolet detector. Potentials and limitations, relevant theoretical considerations, recent advances and applications are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Lelevic
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, 69360, Solaize, France.,IRCELYON, UMR5256 CNRS-UCB Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Vincent Souchon
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, 69360, Solaize, France
| | - Maxime Moreaud
- IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize BP 3, 69360, Solaize, France.,MINESParisTech, PSL-ResearchUniversity, CMM, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Chantal Lorentz
- IRCELYON, UMR5256 CNRS-UCB Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
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35
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Reiss R, Gruber B, Klingbeil S, Gröger T, Ehlert S, Zimmermann R. Evaluation and application of gas chromatography - vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for drug- and explosive precursors and examination of non-negative matrix factorization for deconvolution. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 219:129-134. [PMID: 31030040 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the introduction of a benchtop vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectroscope with an increased wavelength range towards to the high energetic ultraviolet radiation, gas chromatography coupled to VUV has been proven a powerful tool in several fields of application such as petroleomics, permanent gas analytic, pesticide analytic and many more. In this study, the potential of GC-VUV for investigations was examined, focusing on drug- and explosive precursors as well as chemical warfare simulants. The ability of VUV absorption spectra to differentiate isomers is presented, among others for nitroaromatics. In addition, the limit of detection for target compounds was determined to 0.7 ng absolute on column. Furthermore, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was successfully implemented as alternative deconvolution approach and evaluated for the deconvolution of unknown substances. In comparison, the spectral library-based deconvolution was applied to a standard mixture and a simulated case study. The results reveal that the NMF is a useful additional tool for deconvolution because, unlike library-based deconvolution, it allows to investigate unknown substances as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Reiss
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Beate Gruber
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Comprehensive Molecular Analytics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sophie Klingbeil
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Gröger
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Comprehensive Molecular Analytics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sven Ehlert
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059 Rostock, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Comprehensive Molecular Analytics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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36
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Roberson ZR, Goodpaster JV. Differentiation of structurally similar phenethylamines via gas chromatography–vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC–VUV). Forensic Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2019.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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37
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Kranenburg RF, García-Cicourel AR, Kukurin C, Janssen HG, Schoenmakers PJ, van Asten AC. Distinguishing drug isomers in the forensic laboratory: GC-VUV in addition to GC-MS for orthogonal selectivity and the use of library match scores as a new source of information. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109900. [PMID: 31382222 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, forensic drug experts are facing chemical identification challenges with the increasing number of new isomeric forms of psychoactive substances occurring in case samples. Very similar mass spectra for these substances could easily result in misidentification using the regular GC-MS screening methods in combination with colorimetric testing in forensic laboratories. Building on recent work from other groups, this study demonstrates that GC-VUV is a powerful technique for drug isomer differentiation, showing reproducible and discriminating spectra for aromatic ring-isomers. MS and VUV show complementary selectivity as VUV spectra are ring-position specific whereas MS spectra are characteristic for the amine moieties of the molecule. VUV spectra are very reproducible showing less than 0.1‰ deviation in library match scores and therefore small spectral differences suffice to confidently distinguish isomers. In comparison, MS match scores gave over 10‰ deviation and showed significant overlap in match score ranges for several isomers. This poses a risk for false positive identifications when assigning compounds based on retention time and GC-MS mass spectrum. A strategy was developed, based on Kernel Density Estimations of match scores, to construct Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and estimate likelihood ratios (LR values) with respect to the chemical differentiation of drug related isomers. This approach, and the added value of GC-VUV is demonstrated with the chemical analysis of several samples from drug case work from the Amsterdam area involving both compounds listed in Dutch drug legislation (3,4-MDMA; 3,4-MDA; 4-MMC; 4-MEC and 4-FA) as well as their unlisted and thus uncontrolled isomers (2,3-MDMA; 2,3-MDA; 2- and 3-MMC; 2- and 3-MEC and 2- and 3-FA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands.
| | - Alan R García-Cicourel
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands
| | - Corina Kukurin
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands
| | - Hans-Gerd Janssen
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands; Unilever Research and Development, P.O. Box 114, Vlaardingen 3130 AC, Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schoenmakers
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, Netherlands
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38
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Makoś P, Przyjazny A, Boczkaj G. Methods of assaying volatile oxygenated organic compounds in effluent samples by gas chromatography—A review. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1592:143-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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39
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Cruse CA, Goodpaster JV. Generating highly specific spectra and identifying thermal decomposition products via Gas Chromatography / Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (GC/VUV): Application to nitrate ester explosives. Talanta 2019; 195:580-586. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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40
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García-Cicourel AR, Janssen HG. Direct analysis of aromatic hydrocarbons in purified mineral oils for foods and cosmetics applications using gas chromatography with vacuum ultraviolet detection. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1590:113-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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41
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Buchalter S, Marginean I, Yohannan J, Lurie IS. Gas chromatography with tandem cold electron ionization mass spectrometric detection and vacuum ultraviolet detection for the comprehensive analysis of fentanyl analogues. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1596:183-193. [PMID: 30876740 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its derivatives are amongst the ever-growing list of emerging drugs which are impinging on current traditional analytical techniques employed in forensic laboratories. To avoid current regulations, fentanyl analogues are being illicitly synthesized by slight alterations of functional groups to the fentanyl skeleton leading to inaccurate identifications, thus posing the greatest challenge to laboratories. In this study, a novel analytical technique is presented in which gas chromatography (GC) is interfaced with both cold electron ionization mass spectrometric (cold EI MS) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detection by the means of a flow splitter for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of twenty-four fentanyl analogues, including seven sets of positional isomers. For most of the twenty-four analogues, enhanced molecular ions were obtained with at least 1% intensity relative to base peak. In addition to enhanced molecular ions, the GC-cold EI MS maintained fragmentation pathways observed by GCMS with classical electron ionization. For the most part, VUV detection resulted in unique VUV spectra for fentanyl analogues including positional isomers. The combination of these two complementary detectors in tandem with the high resolving power of the gas chromatograph, allows for higher confidence in analyte identification by the combination of retention times, cold EI mass spectra and VUV spectra. The preferred method for quantitation was based on VUV detection and offered excellent determination coefficients (R2≥0.999) for most analytes over two orders of magnitude dynamic range, without the need for deuterated internal standards. For both run-to-run and day-to-day repeatability studies, at moderate solute concentrations, the correct fentanyl related compound was identified in almost every instance from a library containing all the fentanyl analogues plus hundreds of other analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Buchalter
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Ioan Marginean
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Joshua Yohannan
- Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner, 1520 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA.
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42
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Pechancová R, Qiu C, Smuts J, Lemr K, Schug KA. Comparative study of ink photoinitiators in food packages using gas chromatography with vacuum ultraviolet detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2018; 42:556-565. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201800855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Radka Pechancová
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials; Faculty of Science; Department of Analytical Chemistry; Palacky University in Olomouc; Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Changling Qiu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; The University of Texas at Arlington; Arlington TX USA
| | | | - Karel Lemr
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials; Faculty of Science; Department of Analytical Chemistry; Palacky University in Olomouc; Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Kevin A. Schug
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; The University of Texas at Arlington; Arlington TX USA
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43
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Zhang K, Kurita KL, Venkatramani C, Russell D. Seeking universal detectors for analytical characterizations. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 162:192-204. [PMID: 30265979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is highly desirable to have a universal detector that can detect all types of compounds and give a uniform response regardless of the physiochemical properties of the compounds. With such a universal detector, all components in a sample can be accurately quantified without the need for individual standards. This is especially needed for the characterization of unknowns and for non-targeted analysis, or for samples that have no isolated standards available for each component. Over the years, much effort has been put into seeking a universal detection technology. In this review, we discuss the commonly used detectors for analytical characterization, including UV, RI, ELSD, CAD, CLND, FID, VUV, MS, NMR, and hyphenated detection, with the focuses on the "universal" features of these detectors regarding the types of molecules they can detect and the uniformity of responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Zhang
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States.
| | - Kenji L Kurita
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States
| | | | - David Russell
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States
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44
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Zheng J, Huang C, Wang S. Challenging pharmaceutical analyses by gas chromatography with vacuum ultraviolet detection. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1567:185-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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45
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Tremeau-Cayel L, Carnes S, Schanfield MS, Lurie IS. A comparison of single quadrupole mass detection and diode array ultraviolet detection interfaced to ultra-high performance supercritical chromatography for the quantitative analysis of synthetic cathinones. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1091:96-100. [PMID: 29860214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A comparison of single quadruple mass spectrometry and diode array-ultraviolet (PDA-UV) detection interfaced to ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography was performed for the quantitative analysis of synthetic cathinones. Synthetic cathinones, also known as "bath salts", are derived from cathinone, a component of the khat plant. For 15 controlled solutes linearity, repeatability, and limits of detection were determined using both UV and MS detection. Quantitation studies were performed using the above detectors for 19 mixtures of up to 4 of the above compounds with an adulterant to simulate seized samples. MS detection provided approximately an order of magnitude greater linearity range and allowed for two to three orders of magnitude lower limits of detection than UV detection. Both detection techniques exhibited similar results of analysis and comparable repeatability. The latter detection mode which provided significantly high linearity correlation coefficients (0.9994 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.0000) would be preferred for quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Carnes
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, 4400 Broad Rover Rd., Columbia, SC 29212, USA
| | - Moses S Schanfield
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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46
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Levitas MP, Andrews E, Lurie I, Marginean I. Discrimination of synthetic cathinones by GC–MS and GC–MS/MS using cold electron ionization. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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47
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Pauk V, Lemr K. Forensic applications of supercritical fluid chromatography – mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1086:184-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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48
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Pesek JJ, Matyska MT, Watanabe S, Makhanov M, Lopez A, Alejo K, Orozco D, Doan L. Evaluation of silica hydride materials for the LC–MS analysis of cathinones and benzylpiperazines. Forensic Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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49
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Borovcová L, Pauk V, Lemr K. Analysis of new psychoactive substances in human urine by ultra-high performance supercritical fluid and liquid chromatography: Validation and comparison. J Sep Sci 2018; 41:2288-2295. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201800006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Borovcová
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Palacký University in Olomouc; Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Volodymyr Pauk
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Palacký University in Olomouc; Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Karel Lemr
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Palacký University in Olomouc; Olomouc Czech Republic
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50
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Zavahir JS, Nolvachai Y, Marriott PJ. Molecular spectroscopy – Information rich detection for gas chromatography. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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