Multivariate optimization and curve resolution assisting analysis of MPA impurities using GC-MS

The volatile chemical constituents in complex mixtures can be analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analysis allowed the tentative identification of diverse impurities of methamphetamine (MPA). First, optimization of head space solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) of seized methamphetamine samples combined with GC-MS through response surface methodology was performed. Second, the acquired two-dimensional data of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) were resolved by MCR-ALS to elucidate the embedded peaks effectively. Indeed, the strong and broad peak of methamphetamine makes identifying the underlying peaks problematic and even impossible by LLE method. N-benzyl-2-methylaziridine as a route specific impurity, was identified by both SMPE and LLE, indicating a synthesis route based on ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Since methamphetamine crystals may be extracted from cold drugs, the co-extracted ingredients of these drugs may reflect the presence of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as a starting material.

کلیدواژه ها:

Methamphetamine ، Route specific impurity ، HS-SPME ، GC-MS ، MCR/ALS