Premium
Vibrational spectrum of strychnine: detection at the nanogram level using a Raman microscope
Author(s) -
Narayanan V. Anantha,
Stump Nathan A.,
Del Cul Guillermo D.,
VoDinh Tuan
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4555(199906)30:6<435::aid-jrs391>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - strychnine , raman spectroscopy , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , infrared spectroscopy , microscope , chromatography , optics , organic chemistry , physics , biochemistry
The complete vibrational spectra of strychnine is reported. Strychnine, a compound with medicinal value at the proper dosage, is also a potent toxin at certain concentration levels. Down to 5 ng of strychnine were detected from its spectrum using a microscope attached to a Raman spectrophotometer. The complete Raman and Fourier transform IR spectra were also recorded for positive identification. The prominent vibrational band wavenumbers useful as a reference source for the identification of strychnine in an emergency situation are discussed. The Raman spectra of a bulk sample and of a strychnine microcrystal are given to facilitate positive identification. The potential application of the vibrational analysis of strychnine for forensic diagnostics is discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.