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Extended Stability Evaluation of Selected Cathinones.

Heather L Ciallella1, Lexus R Rutter1, Lorna A Nisbet2

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Frontiers in Chemistry
|December 11, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Synthetic cathinones like mephedrone and MDPV degrade quickly in methanol and EDTA-preserved blood at room temperature or refrigerated. For accurate forensic analysis, store these samples in freezers and test them promptly.

Keywords:
GC/MS (gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry)bloodcathinonesolventsstabilityurine

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Synthetic cathinones are emerging psychoactive substances with limited stability data in forensic samples.
  • Previous studies focused on NaF/K2C2O4-preserved blood, not Na2EDTA-preserved blood or unpreserved urine beyond two weeks.
  • Accurate drug concentration evaluation in forensic toxicology relies on understanding drug stability in various matrices and storage conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the stability of four Schedule I synthetic cathinones: mephedrone, MDPV, naphyrone, and α-PVP.
  • To assess stability in methanolic and acetonitrile solutions, Na2EDTA-preserved blood, and unpreserved urine.
  • To determine optimal storage conditions for these synthetic cathinones in forensic casework.

Main Methods:

  • Synthetic cathinones were prepared in methanolic/acetonitrile solutions, Na2EDTA-preserved blood, and unpreserved urine at 1 mg/L.
  • Samples were stored at 20°C, 4°C, and -20°C for up to 30 days, with triplicate analysis at set intervals.
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in full-scan mode was used for analysis after solid-phase extraction of biological samples.

Main Results:

  • Mephedrone, naphyrone, and MDPV degraded in methanol at 20°C and 4°C as early as day 3.
  • All four synthetic cathinones showed degradation in Na2EDTA-preserved blood under at least one storage condition.
  • Acetonitrile solutions and unpreserved urine samples exhibited greater stability compared to methanolic solutions and EDTA-preserved blood.

Conclusions:

  • Methanolic working solutions and Na2EDTA-preserved blood samples containing these synthetic cathinones require freezer storage (-20°C).
  • Prompt testing of methanolic solutions and EDTA-preserved blood is crucial for accurate quantitative analysis in forensic toxicology.
  • Acetonitrile solutions and unpreserved urine offer more stable matrices for storing synthetic cathinones.