Identification of Drugs by Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract Methods of identifying drugs by chemical ionization (Cl) mass spectroscopy have been investigated. This type of ionization is accomplished by the reaction of the drug with either ionized gaseous methane or isobutane. The resulting spectrum is less complex than that produced by conventional mass spectroscopy and usually results in the formation of a molecular ion plus one (M + 1). The isobutane CI spectra of 62 commonly abused drugs were determined. The mechanism for the formation of fragmentation ions is discussed.