Determination of 4-alkyl 2,5 dimethoxy-amphetamine derivatives by capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry detection from urine samples

The methylenedioxy-derivatives of amphetamine represent the largest group of designer drugs. The 4-methyl (DOM), -ethyl (DOET) and -propyl (DOPR) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-amphetamine (2,5-DMA) were found to possess quite similar serotonin receptor affinities [R.A. Glennon, D.L. Doot, R. Young, Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 14 (1981) 287.]. This paper describes a method to screen for and quantify DOM, DOET and DOPR in urine samples, using capillary electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS). Prior to CE-MS analysis, a simple solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for sample cleanup. The method was validated according to international guidelines. Data for accuracy and precision were within required limits. Calibration curves were generated ranging from 10 to 1000 ng/mL and correlation coefficients always exceeded 0.996.