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The analysis and identification of steroids
D M Chiong1, E Consuegra-Rodriguez, J R Almirall
1Metro-Dade Police Department, Crime Laboratory Bureau/Analytical Section, Miami, FL.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 1, 1992
Summary
This study developed analytical methods for identifying anabolic steroids in legal cases. Combining techniques like gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved effective for steroid identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Anabolic steroids were controlled under Florida law in 1987.
- Accurate identification of steroids is crucial for legal evidentiary cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reliable methods for the analysis and identification of anabolic steroids.
- To evaluate various analytical techniques for forensic applications.
Main Methods:
- Spot tests (sulfuric acid, napthol-sulfuric acid, Liebermann's, Mandelin's) were compared.
- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using TP and TQ eluent systems.
- Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR) were utilized.
Main Results:
- Mandelin's test with sulfuric acid showed the best results among spot tests.
- TLC successfully separated steroid samples with the chosen eluents.
- GC/MS and FT-IR provided reliable identification for most tested steroids, matching literature spectra.
Conclusions:
- A combination of analytical techniques, including spot tests, TLC, GC/MS, and FT-IR, is effective for identifying anabolic steroids.
- These methods can be applied to evidentiary cases requiring steroid analysis.