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In-depth chromatographic analyses of illicit cocaine and its precursor, coca leaves
1United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, McLean, VA 22102-3494.
Abstract:
Chromatographic methodology used for the in-depth alkaloid analyses of coca leaves and for the characterization of alkaloidal impurities and manufacturing by-products in illicit refined cocaine samples is reviewed. This includes liquid-liquid partition and liquid-solid adsorption column chromatography, packed- and capillary-column gas chromatography with flame-ionization, electron-capture, nitrogen-phosphorous and mass spectrometric detection, and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The rationale supporting the presence and determination of processing impurities/by-products in cocaine samples is discussed, and chromatographic methodology used for the development of drug impurity signature profiles is presented.