On-line identification of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in human urine by non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis-fluorescence spectroscopy at 77 K

The analytical profiles for 3.4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (3,4-MDMA) and related amphetamines in urine samples are described for non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis-fluorescence spectroscopy. 3,4-MDMA was detected and identified on-line, using a cryogenic molecular fluorescence technique at 77 K. Under optimized conditions, baseline separation of the selected compounds was achieved in less than 12 min. Precision was evaluated by measuring the repeatability and intermediate precision of the migration times and corrected peak areas. The non-aqueous CE separation conditions and the spectral characteristics of 3,4-MDMA with respect to solvent and temperature effects are also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.