Optimization of a simple method for the chiral separation of methamphetamine and related compounds in clandestine tablets and urine samples by β-cyclodextrine modified capillary electrophoresis: A complementary method to GC-MS

The chiral separation of (±)-methamphetamine, (±)-methcathinone, (±)-ephedrine and (±)-pseudoephedrine by means of β-cyclodextrine modified capillary electrophoresis is described. The distribution of enantiomers in clandestine tablets and urine samples were identified. Several electrophoretic parameters such as the concentration of β-cyclodextrin, temperature, the applied voltage and the amount of organic solvent required for successful separation were optimized. The method, as described herein, represents a good complementary method to GC-MS for use in forensic and clinical analysis.