X-Ray powder diffraction - A non-destructive and versatile approach for the identification of new psychoactive substances

Abstract

A considerable number of fatal intoxications have recently been connected with the growing popularity of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Therefore, there is a significant demand for the development of fast and facile field detection methods for NPS. These substances are often sold as blends (with inorganic or organic cutting agents), which may further complicate detection. X-Ray powder diffraction (XRPD) was evaluated as a suitable and easily employable analytical method for the identification of NPS. XRPD has been successfully used for the differentiation of eight synthetic cathinones with a similar molecular structure. Moreover, this method was also used for the identification of four drugs in authentic street samples. XRPD is a facile non-destructive method that can identify not only NPS in mixtures but also the cutting agents. The small amount of substances needed for the measurement, which can be re-used for other analyses, further enhances the versatility of this method.

Keywords: Cathinones; Drug analysis; Drug identification; New psychoactive substances; X-Ray powder diffraction.