The preparation of graphite-layer capillary column is described togeth
er with their application to the analysis of aliphatic and aromatic am
ines. Attention is mainly focused on the separation of ephedrines whic
h, being sympathomimetic amines, are often present in pharmaceutical p
reparations, but are also illegally used by athletes as stimulants. Co
mplete separation of these compounds, using direct GC-NPD analysis of
human urine extract, without derivatisation, has been obtained.