Guilty by dissociation-development of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other rapid screening methods for the analysis of 13 diphenidine-derived new psychoactive substances (NPSs).

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in forensic casework has increased prominently in recent years. This has given rise to significant legal and analytical challenges in the identification of these substances. The requirement for validated, robust and rapid testing methodologies for these compounds is obvious. This study details the analysis of 13 synthesised diphenidine derivatives encountered in casework using presumptive testing, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Specifically, the validated GC-MS method provides, for the first time, both a general screening method and quantification of the active components for seized solid samples, both in their pure form and in the presence of common adulterants. Graphical Abstract Chemical synthesis and forensic analysis of 13 diphenidine-derived new psychoactive substance(s).