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The Analysis of Illicit Methaqualone Containing Preparations by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Purposes
Author(s) -
Grové Alida A.,
Rohwer Egmont R.,
Laurens Johannes B.,
Vorster Barend C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00053.x
Subject(s) - methaqualone , chromatography , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry , mass spectrometry , chemistry , gas chromatography
A validated gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric method for quantitative analysis of methaqualone (MTQ) in illicit preparations is reported. The method proved to have a coefficient of variation of below 5%. Four batches of seized tablets, two pairs with similar imprints, were analyzed. It was found that the average MTQ concentration in all four batches of tablets differed significantly ( p =0.01) rendering it impossible to conclude that, on the basis of MTQ concentration alone, the batches with a similar logo originated from the same manufacturer or manufacturing batch. Conversely, it can be said that in this case, the four batches originated from either different clandestine laboratories or manufacturing batches.