Gas chromatographic analysis of illicit heroin samples

Morphine and 6-acetylmorphine in illicit heroin samples can be easily determined by propionylation in aqueous solution (disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer). Heroin, 3-propionylmorphine and 6-acetyl-3-propionylmorphine are separated on methyl-phenylpolysiloxane liquid phases (5% phenyl content). The analytical procedure and the corresponding statistical data are presented together with the retention indices of typical street heroin concomitant drugs. The procedure can also be applied to the analysis of opium preparations and very dilute heroin (morphine) samples.