Automated determination of diazepam in spiked alcoholic beverages associated with drug-facilitated crimes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

David S M Ribeiro (Author) Other; Joao A V Prior (Author) FFUP; Joao L M Santos (Author) FFUP; Jose L F C Lima (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Analytica Chimica Acta

Vol. 668 No. 1

Pages: 67-73

ISSN: 0003-2670

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Chemical sciences

CORDIS: Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-6NG

DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2010.01.016

Resumo (PT): In this work, a multipumping flow system (MPFS) coupled to a photodegradation unit was developed, for the first time, for the determination of diazepam (a benzodiazepine) in spiked alcoholic beverages by fluorimetry. The main features of MPFS such as, high portability, versatility and straightforward automation and control combined with the efficiency and simplicity of photodegradation and the selectivity and sensitivity of fluorimetric detection makes the developed analytical methodology an attractive tool and a valuable contribution for the prevention of drug-facilitated crimes (DFC). Drug-facilitated crimes involve the unauthorized administration of strong central nervous system depressant drugs, which have the capability of preventing victims from resist to the action of the perpetrator or fighting off. Most often, the drugs identified as being used in DFC are surreptitiously placed in drinks served to potential victims in entertainment places, like night clubs. Five commercial alcoholic beverages (Eristoff®, Smirnoff®, Bacardi®, Dry Gin® and Brazilian Cachaça 51®) spiked with diazepam were analyzed by the proposed methodology, and the results revealed good agreement with those obtained through a HPLC comparison procedure. Relative deviations comprised between −1.97 and 2.05% were achieved, and additionally, the application of a paired t-test, revealed the absence of any statistical difference for a confidence level of 95% (n = 5). The detection limit was approximately 2.02 mg L−1. <br> <br> Keywords: Drug-facilitated crimes; Benzodiazepines; Multipumping; Drink spiking; Photodegradation <br> <a target="_blank" href=" http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TF4-4Y65SFY-2&_user=2460038&_coverDate=05%2F23%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000057398&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=2460038&md5=18312c322ac610f4a2a3930df765190a"> Texto integral </a> <br> <br>

Abstract (EN): In this work, a multipumping flow system (MPFS) coupled to a photodegradation unit was developed, for the first time, for the determination of diazepam (a benzodiazepine) in spiked alcoholic beverages by fluorimetry. The main features of MPFS such as, high portability, versatility and straightforward automation and control combined with the efficiency and simplicity of photodegradation and the selectivity and sensitivity of fluorimetric detection makes the developed analytical methodology an attractive tool and a valuable contribution for the prevention of drug-facilitated crimes (DFC). Drug-facilitated crimes involve the unauthorized administration of strong central nervous system depressant drugs, which have the capability of preventing victims from resist to the action of the perpetrator or fighting off. Most often, the drugs identified as being used in DFC are surreptitiously placed in drinks served to potential victims in entertainment places, like night clubs. Five commercial alcoholic beverages (Eristoff(R), Smirnoff(R), Bacardi(R), Dry Gin(R) and Brazilian Cachaca 51(R)) spiked with diazepam were analyzed by the proposed methodology, and the results revealed good agreement with those obtained through a HPLC comparison procedure. Relative deviations comprised between -1.97 and 2.05% were achieved, and additionally, the application of a paired t-test, revealed the absence of any statistical difference for a confidence level of 95% (n = 5). The detection limit was approximately 2.02 mg L(-1).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7