REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY PHOTODIODE-ARRAY ANALYSIS OF ALKALOID DRUGS OF FORENSIC INTEREST

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode-arr ay method for the analysis of 23 drugs of forensic interest is present ed. The separation method development was based on mobile-phase optimi sation, temperature control and use of three ODS stationary phases. Mu ltiwavelength detection and quantitation was performed at 225, 232, 23 9, 254, 275 and 289 nm. Absorbance ratioing proved to be very helpful for the identification of these drugs. Recognition of the analysed com pounds was achieved by means of correlation of retention time and abso rbance ratios. The method was directly applied to the analysis of illi cit heroin and cocaine samples and to the analysis of pharmaceutical p reparations containing codeine.