A RAPID METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF FOUR THIOAMPHETAMINE DESIGNER DRUGS (ALEPH-4, ALEPH-8, ALEPH-13, ALEPH-17) IN HUMAN URINE

Abstract

An analytical procedure for the simultaneous determination in human urine of four thioamphetamine designer drugs (ALEPH series) is reported. The quantitative analysis was performed by capillary electrophoresis with diode array detector (CE-DAD), using 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylthioamphetamine-D₃ (ALEPH-D₃) as internal standard. In order to minimize interferences with matrix components and to preconcentrate target analytes, solid phase extraction was introduced in the method as a clean-up step. The method was validated according to international guidelines. Data for accuracy and precision were within required limits. Calibration curves were generated ranging from 1 to 500 μg mL⁻¹ and correlation coefficients always exceeded 0.998. The method was demonstrated to be specific, simple, and reliable for the analysis of these derivatives in urine samples.

Keywords:

• ALEPH-13
• ALEPH-17
• ALEPH-4
• ALEPH-8
• ALEPH-D₃
• urine

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors are thankful to the Fondazione Banco di Sardegna for financial support.

Notes

RSD = Relative Standard Deviation.