Sensitive real-time detection of vapors produced by the precursors, reagents and solvents used in the illegal drugs manufacture represents a priority nowadays. Acetic anhydride (AA) is the key chemical used as acetylation agent in producing the illegal drugs heroin and methaqualone. This study was directed towards quick detection and quantification of AA in air, using two fast and very sensitive analytical techniques: photoionization detection (PID) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Results obtained indicated that both PID and IMS can sense AA at ultra-trace levels in air, but while PID produces a non-selective response, IMS offers richer information. Ion mobility spectrometric response in the positive ion mode presented one product ion, at reduced ion mobility K0 of 1.89 cm2 V−1 s−1 (almost overlapped with positive reactant ion peak), while in the negative ion mode two well separated product ions, with K0 of 1.90 and 1.71 cm2 V−1 s−1, were noticed. Our study showed that by using a portable, commercial IMS system (model Mini IMS, I.U.T. GmbH Berlin) AA can be easily measured at concentrations of 0.05 ppmv (0.2 mg m−3) in negative ion mode. Best selectivity and sensitivity of the IMS response were therefore achieved in the negative operation mode.
Being involved in the synthesis of precursors for amphetamine and amphetamine-like drugs, pyridine (Py) may be also regarded as a by-product found when these drugs are obtained via the Leuckart method. Also, pyridine is well known as a biomarker of microorganisms, when those are subjected to pyrolysis before analysis by various instrumental techniques. Consequently, since Py is not commonly found in the air, its presence as a contaminant at trace levels in a room could indicate the existence of a clandestine laboratory. In this work, standard atmospheres containing known, low levels of pyridine vapors in air were analyzed using IMS (Ion Mobility Spectrometry) and PID (Photoionization Detection). Both techniques were extremely sensitive and rapid. Pyridine concentrations as low as 5 ppb v were measured in semi-purified air in several seconds; hence a "real time" detection. Quantitative ion mobility spectrometric response between 5 and 315 ppb v of pyridine has been investigated. Also, the reduced mobility of pyridine product ion peak in the positive mode was calculated to be K 0 = 1.75 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , using 2,6-lutidine as chemical standard for ion mobility. Confirmatory analysis by PID has been accomplished for every standard atmosphere with pyridine in order to check and back up the IMS responses. We conclude that IMS has a very good sensitivity in real-life conditions and is a useful tool in detecting pyridine as an important building brick in illegal drugs synthesis and in protecting health of law enforcement officers that investigate the location of a clandestine laboratory.
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