Liquid chromatographic analysis of samples containing cocaine, local anesthetics, and other amines

A liquid chromatographic procedure is described for the separation of cocaine, local anesthetics, and other amines often encountered in cocaine look-alike preparations. Amines such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine are identified following derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate. The isocratic, reverse phase method uses dual wavelength detection at 254 and 280 nm.