Analysis of butaclamol in serum by fluorescence induction

A sensitive TLC-fluorometric method was developed for the analysis of butaclamol, a benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2,3-de]-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivative, in serum. The method involves cyclohexane extraction of serum samples followed by TLC of the concentrated extracts. The developed TLC plates were sprayed with an oxidizing reagent and heated at 110 degrees. Highly fluorescent spots were produced for butaclamol, which was well separated from metabolites and serum components. Fluorometric densitometry permitted quantitation with a sensitivity of 10 ng/spot application.