Journal
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Volume 413, Issue 28, Pages 7055-7062Publisher
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03670-4
Keywords
Fentanyl; Narcotics detection; SPME; Vapor detection; Fentanyl analogs
Funding
- National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice
- NRC Research Associateship award at the Naval Research Laboratory
- ASEE Research Associateship award at the Naval Research Laboratory
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The availability of fentanyl is at a record high with 3138 kg of fentanyl and related substances being seized in 2019. Due to its high toxicity, a lethal dose for most is mere milligrams. To aid in developing a non-contact detection method for fentanyl, target analytes in the vapor profile of fentanyl need to be identified. The identification of N-Phenylpropanamide (NPPA) or N-phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP) as target analytes in 75% of the samples is crucial for this development.
Availability of fentanyl is at a record high with 3138 kg of fentanyl and related substances being seized in 2019. Fentanyl's high toxicity makes a lethal dose for most mere milligrams. With such a high potency and a consistent rise of abuse, the chances of injury or death of frontline workers increase with every interaction. Development of a non-contact detection method for fentanyl would decrease the chances of a workplace mishap. To aid in the development of a non-contact detection method, target analytes in the vapor profile of fentanyl need to be identified. In order to achieve this goal, semi-quantitative headspace analysis of fentanyl analogs and confiscated fentanyl exhibits was accomplished using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The vapor signatures of these samples were compared to a previously reported reference-grade fentanyl vapor signature to determine the target analyte(s) for fentanyl detection in the vapor phase. A total of 20 fentalogs and confiscated exhibits, with masses ranging from 2 to 19 mg, were sampled. N-Phenylpropanamide(NPPA) or N-phenethyl-4-piperidone(NPP) was identified as target analytes in 75% of these samples. This is a crucial component for the development of a non-contact detection method for fentanyl.
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