A colorimetric sensor array for the detection of the date-rape drug γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB): a supramolecular approach

Chemistry. 2010 Apr 19;16(15):4489-95. doi: 10.1002/chem.200903127. Epub 2010 Mar 22.

Abstract

γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a colourless, odourless and tasteless chemical, has become one of the most dangerous illicit drugs of abuse today. At low doses, this drug is a central nervous system depressant that reduces anxiety and produces euphoria and relaxation, sedating the recipient. There is an urgent need for simple, easy-to-use sensors for GHB in solution. Here, we present a colorimetric sensor array based on supramolecular host-guest complexes of fluorescent dyes with organic capsules (cucurbiturils) for the detection of GHB.

Keywords: cucurbiturils; drug detection; host-guest systems; sensors; supramolecular chemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Depressants / analysis*
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / chemistry
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Hydroxybutyrates / analysis*
  • Hydroxybutyrates / chemistry
  • Illicit Drugs / analysis*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Rape*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Illicit Drugs
  • 4-hydroxybutyric acid