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A new screening method for flunitrazepam in vodka and tequila by fluorescence spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Leesakul Nararak,
Pongampai Sirintip,
Kanatharana Proespichaya,
Sudkeaw Pravit,
Tantirungrotechai Yuthana,
Buranachai Chitta
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
luminescence
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1522-7243
pISSN - 1522-7235
DOI - 10.1002/bio.2348
Subject(s) - chemistry , protonation , derivative (finance) , fluorescence , mass spectrometry , photochemistry , flunitrazepam , benzophenone , nitro , analytical chemistry (journal) , chromatography , organic chemistry , alkyl , ion , biochemistry , physics , receptor , quantum mechanics , gabaa receptor , financial economics , economics
A new screening method for flunitrazepam in colourless alcoholic beverages based on a spectroscopic technique is proposed. Absorption and steady‐state fluorescence of flunitrazepam and its protonated form with various acids were investigated. The redshift of the wavelength of maximum absorption was distinctively observed in protonated flunitrazepam. An emissive fluorescence at 472 nm was detected in colourless spirits (vodka and tequila) at room temperature. 2‐M perchloric acid was the most appropriated proton source. By using electron ionization mass spectrometry and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, the possible structure of protonated flunitrazepam was identified to be 2‐nitro‐ N ‐methylacridone, an acridone derivative as opposed to 2‐methylamino‐5‐nitro‐2′‐fluorobenzophenone, a benzophenone derivative. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.