Validation of a gas-chromatographic method for the determination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA) in ecstasy tablets

Abstract

Ecstasy is illegally commercialized in the form of tablets with different aspects, colors, sizes, and logotypes. Chemically, ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic compound with stimulant and hallucinogenic proprieties. Due to the great expansion of ecstasy abuse, the number of cases of intoxications by MDMA, analogs and eventual adulterant compounds has also increased. Some MDMA analog substances, such as 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), methamphetamine and amphetamine have already been identified in ecstasy tablets. Caffeine and ephedrines are the most common adulterants also found. The aim of this paper is to describe the validation of an analytical method to quantify MDMA in ecstasy tablets and capsules. Gas-chromatography with nitrogen/phosphorous detector was used in the method, which consisted in the direct dissolution of the sample in methanol, centrifugation and convenient dilution of the supernatant. Analog substances to MDMA and adulterants were also identified. The limits of detection and quantification (LOQ and LOD) for MDMA were 1.5 and 3.0 mg/100 mg of tablet. Samples from 25 lots of tablets seized in the city of São Paulo were analyzed showing a considerable variability in composition and quantity of MDMA.