Stereochemical Analysis of Methorphan Using (−)‐Menthyl Chloroformate |
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| Authors: | Christina Koo BSc Matthew Cox PhD Gunter Klass PhD Martin Johnston PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, SA, Australia.;2. Forensic Science SA, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, SA, Australia.;3. School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: Forensic laboratories around the world have seen an increase in the number of drug seizures containing methorphan. Levomethorphan is a narcotic and a controlled substance, and its enantiomer dextromethorphan is an antitussive agent used in over‐the‐counter medications. For the forensic analysis of seized drugs containing methorphan, it is important to report the stereochemical composition of the drug. Ideally, a method based on common forensic laboratory instrumentation is desirable. The use of the chiral derivatizing agent (?)‐menthyl chloroformate followed by routine gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the derivative was shown to successfully determine the stereochemical composition of methorphan. This approach was applied to a street seizure containing methorphan proving that it was pure dextromethorphan. The derivatives of dextro‐ and levomethorphan were subjected to mass spectroscopic and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, which confirmed that the structure of the derivatives remained unchanged as a result of the derivatization process. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science forensic chemistry levomethorphan dextromethorphan stereochemical analysis gas chromatography– mass spectrometry |
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