Chiral separation of 3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine and related compounds in clandestine tablets and urine samples by capillary electrophoresis/fluorescence spectroscopy

The R-(-)- and S-(+)-isomers of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were prepared, identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and then used as standards in a series of capillary electrophoresis (CE) experiments. Using these R-(-)- and S-(+)- isomers, the distribution of (RS)-MDA and (RS)-MDMA stereoisomers in clandestine tablets and suspect urine samples were identified. Several electrophoretic parameters, such as the concentration of β-cyclodextrin used in the electrophoretic separation and the amount of organic solvents required for the separation, were optimized.