Abstract: | Gas chromatography--mass spectrometry is proposed for measuring clofelin (clonidine) in cadaveric blood. The method includes liquid-liquid extraction of clonidine from the blood, derivatization with pentafluorobenzyl bromide, and subsequent purification of derivatization products before chromatographic analysis. The range of 0.5-50.0 ng/ml covers therapeutic and lethal concentrations of clonidine in the blood. The method was tried on expert material in Chelyabinsk Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations and can be used in forensic chemical and toxicological analysis. |