Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2010 | Page 17

FORENSICS JOURNAL

The Analysis of Ecstasy Components
Christine Burns, M.S.

Currently, chemists analyze BZP via the Gas Chromatograph/Mass
Spectrometer; however, the chromatograms produced are problematic. BZP, MDMA and TFMPP do not separate easily from other
components. The extraction performed by the chemist does not
completely isolate BZP, and, depending on the pill composition, the
extraction process can produce peaks that may overlap or co-elute.

ABSTRACT
As various substances of abuse come under the schedule restrictions
set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), other designer
drugs are beginning to replace them. Many components present in
Ecstasy tablets today are derivatives and are making it increasingly
difficult to isolate certain components. This paper presents some
common, well-known methods used in forensic chemistry and their
application in separating the components commonly found in Ecstasy
tablets. Such components can be separated by using the Dragendorff
reagent and derivatization, with trimethylsilylation on a ZB-1 column.

The development of better methods for the extraction of the components found in Ecstasy tablets would be essential to drug analysis in a
forensic setting. Furthermore, Ketamine has been a recent recurring
drug in Ecstasy, and it would prove helpful if a color test were developed to determine if Ketamine were present in a tablet.

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVE

In the United States, many designer drugs are appearing that have
been created from other pre-existing drugs. These designer drugs
often have no medical use and when they are abused, they are identified as illegal substances. For instance, Ecstasy or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a designer drug that was derived
from amphetamines, which are classified as stimulants, which temporarily increase alertness and awareness, as well as the activity of the
sympathetic nervous system and the central nervous system. In the
medical field, stimulants are often used to treat narcolepsy, ADHD,
and depression. Stimulants are also commonly used in over-thecounter medications to counteract lethargy and fatigue throughout
the day, to reduce sleepiness and to keep the person awake when
necessary.

The objective of this study was to improve the separation of the various components commonly found in an Ecstasy tablet during tradi ѥ