Powder Identification of Drugs Using Preliminary Color Tests and GC-MS
Celina Soliman
Co-Presenters: Lori Graziosi, Rolando Montalvan, Giselle Angulo
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun
Abstract:
The identification of unknown powder suspected to be drugs appears often. It creates challenges in a forensic environment. This case study looks at the various analytical techniques to identify an unknown powder. It initially involved a presumptive test followed by more precise testing using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). These techniques were used to determine the chemical composition and match the sample to the known substances. A chemical color test is a preliminary screening test in which a sample of an unknown substance is added to a chemical reagent to produce a color change. The color change that occurs is indicative of a class or type of drug that may or may not be present. Knowledge of the structure of controlled substances can often be used to predict the results of color tests. This presumptive identification technique indicates the presence or absence of a particular drug class using rapid and uncomplicated chemical methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a highly valuable method in forensic drug analysis. It involves separating and identifying various substances within a given sample. GC-MS allows for the detection and characterization of drug compounds with high precision and accuracy.