title: Development and application of a high-performance liquid chromatography method using monolithic columns for the analysis of ecstasy tablets.
abstract: A rapid and selective HPLC method using monolithic columns was developed for the separation and quantification of the principal amphetamines in ecstasy tablets. Three monolithic (Chromolith RP18e) columns of different lengths (25, 50 and 100 mm) were assessed. Validation studies including linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy and limit of detection and quantification were carried out using the Chromolith SpeedROD, RP-18e, 50 mm x 4.6 mm column. Column backpressure and van Deemter plots demonstrated that monolithic columns provide higher efficiency at higher flow rates when compared to particulate columns without the loss of peak resolution. Application of the monolithic column to a large number of ecstasy tablets seized in Ireland ensured its suitability for the routine analysis of ecstasy tablets.
authors.affiliation: Science Research Department, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal, Ireland. kim_mc_fadden@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mc Fadden
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gillespie
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carney
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Driscoll
mesh_terms: D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000032:analysis; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013607:Tablets; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D013607:Tablets; D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; C051800:3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine