Overview of cocaine identification by vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics

The use of non-destructive forensic methods for cocaine identification is of outstanding importance, given the amount of samples seized. Techniques such as ATR-FTIR, Raman, and NIR spectroscopy have become alternatives to circumvent this problem, as they allow fast, cheap analysis, and enable the reanalysis of samples. When combined with chemometrics, these spectroscopic methods can be used to determine and quantify cocaine samples, meaning that the limitations of existing techniques can be overcome. This review article covers spectroscopic techniques for identifying cocaine in different forms and matrices, such as food and textiles, which are materials used for smuggling. The chemometric identification of cocaine in oral fluid and water is also discussed. In addition, vibrational spectroscopy techniques using portable equipment are described. This work seeks to evaluate the main chemometric applications of spectroscopic data and to find new perspectives on the identification of cocaine using chemometrics.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The use of non-destructive forensic methods for cocaine identification is crucial due to the large number of seized samples. Spectroscopic techniques such as ATR-FTIR, Raman, and NIR spectroscopy offer fast and cost-effective analysis, along with the reanalysis of samples. When combined with chemometrics, these methods allow for accurate determination and quantification of cocaine, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques. This review article comprehensively discusses the application of spectroscopic techniques in identifying cocaine in various forms and matrices, including food and textiles used for smuggling. It also explores the chemometric identification of cocaine in oral fluid and water, as well as the use of portable equipment for vibrational spectroscopy. The article aims to evaluate the main chemometric applications of spectroscopic data and provide new perspectives on cocaine identification using chemometrics.