Solid-phase extraction for profiling of ecstasy tablets

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure has been developed for impurity pr ofiling of illicit tablets containing 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-amphetami ne (MDMA, ecstasy). Following initial comparison of liquid-liquid extractio n and solid-phase extraction, SPE was found to be preferable because it aff orded higher extraction efficiencies and shorter extraction times. Procedur e blank samples were also analyzed to identify constituents of the extracts which did not originate in the ecstasy tablets. The developed procedure wa s subsequently applied to 12 samples of seized ecstasy tablets and a compar ison was made of these samples to determine similarities and obtain inferen ces with respect to commonality of origin.