Identification of 2C-B in Hair by UHPLC-HRMS/MS. A Real Forensic Case

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Traditional drug analysis methods lack sensitivity for novel psychoactive substances (NPS).
• The 2C-series, including 2C-B, are increasingly prevalent NPS requiring advanced detection techniques.
• Forensic toxicology laboratories face challenges in identifying emerging drugs of abuse at low concentrations.

Observation:

• A reanalysis of a polydrug consumer's hair sample was conducted.
• The sample was from a past forensic case involving a charge of crime against public health in Spain.
• The study focused on the detection of 2C-B, a specific NPS.

Findings:

• A highly selective and sensitive analytical method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) was employed.
• 2C-B was positively detected and identified in the hair matrix of the analyzed case.
• The UHPLC-HRMS/MS method demonstrated effectiveness in identifying NPS in a real forensic context.

Implications:

• This advanced analytical method offers improved possibilities for detecting diverse NPS with varying chemical structures.
• A simpler, universal pretreatment methodology enhances the efficiency of toxicological analyses.
• The findings support the optimization of HRMS/MS detection strategies for forensic applications, aiding in the identification of emerging drugs.