Gas chromatographic data for 187 nitrogen- or phosphorus-containing drugs and metabolites of toxicological interest analysed on methyl silicone capillary columns

Retention data, retention indices and retention times relative to diazepam, associated with 187 nitrogen- or phosphorus-containing drugs and metabolites likely to be found in toxicological analysis, are presented. The work was carried out with cross-linked methyl silicone, siloxane-deactivated fused-silica capillary columns in different gas chromatographs equipped with nitrogen-phosphorus flame ionization detectors and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Results show the high reproducibility offered by the capillary system, which permits the reduction of identification problems and analysis time.

Advances in fused-silica column technology for the analysis of underivatized drugs

The chemical durability of a cross-linked 5% phenyl methylsilicone stationary phase is investigated for the analysis of underivatized drugs. Column performance is tested with respect to quantitative reproducibility, solvent extractability, selectivity for various drug families, and capacity for the polar solute. Data are presented showing the effects of a polar solvent and a serum extract on column lifetime with splitless and cool on-column injection. Examples of a human drug screen and the forensic analysis of street heroin are provided.

Simultaneous gas chromatographic analysis of drugs of abuse on two fused-silica columns of different polarities

A convenient and rapid gas chromatographic method for analysis of drugs of abuse has been developed. By installing two differently coated columns in a common split-splitless injector and connecting the column ends to a nitrogen-phosphorus detector and a flame ionization detector, considerable and accurate chromatographic information could be obtained from a single run. Quantitative analyses of amphetamine and some other drugs have been performed with the same instrumental set-up. Calibration graphs were evaluated and showed linearity in the concentration range chosen (0.5-10 mg/ml). By using an auto-sampler in combination with a BASIC program, both types of analyses can be performed routinely.

Chromatography in analytical toxicology — state of the art and future perspectives

The aims of systematic toxicological analysis are considered with respect to the principal techniques available for quantitative and qualitative purposes. The use of thin-layer (TLC), gas-liquid (GLC), capillary GLC and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is discussed, with special reference to the need for standardized systems for toxicological analysis. The selectivity of correlations presented as mean list length values, derived from archives of Kováts retention indices in GLC and of Rf-values in up to eight TLC systems, is illustrated by some typical examples. The dependence of Kováts retention indices on column packing materials and on load capacity in CGLC is discussed and the particular difficulties of comparable standard systems in HPLC are considered. Conclusions are drawn concerning the established 'workhorse' techniques, such as TLC and GLC. The need to adapt and standardize other powerful analytical methods, such as HPLC, MS and GLC-MS, is examined with regard to the requirements of toxicological analysis.