In Vitro Reaction of Formaldehyde with Drugs and Poisons: Identification of the Conversion Products

Yokchue, T. and Anderson, R. (2014) In Vitro Reaction of Formaldehyde with Drugs and Poisons: Identification of the Conversion Products. In: 52nd Annual Meeting of TIAFT, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 9-13 Nov 2014,

Abstract

In tropical countries, formalin is injected into cadavers as an embalming solution to reduce body decomposition and preserve the body for a longer time. All drugs present in the body will be exposed to formaldehyde, a highly reactive substance that can chemically react with analytes, resulting in decreasing concentrations of the original compounds and in the production of one or more new substances. Aims: The present study was aimed at quantification of the original drugs and identification of their degradation products in formalin solution and formalin blood. Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of formaldehyde on drugs and poisons, a range of model compounds was used, including amphetamine-type stimulants, benzodiazepines, opiates and carbamate insecticides. Spiked samples in 10% formalin solution (with no pH adjustment) and 10% formalin-blood were stored at room temperature and analysed at selected times over 30 days. The original drugs were quantified and their degradation products in formalin solution/blood were identified and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography - triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS). Result: In both, formalin solution and formalin blood, the results show that amphetamine is methylated producing methamphetamine and methamphetamine produces N,N-dimethylamphetamine (DMA). MDMA is methylated producing 3,4-methylenedioxy-N,N-dimethylamphetamine (MDDMA). For opiates, hydrocodone rapidly changes to a more polar compound that gives an MH+ at m/z 360. Hydromorphone also changes to more polar compounds with MH+ at m/z 316 and 346. Codeine and morphine are stable in formalin solution/blood. Furthermore, open-ring alprazolam (5-chloro-[2-(3-aminomethyl-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]benzophenone) was observed as the hydrolysis product of alprazolam and a compounds that gives an MH+ at m/z 399 was observed as a conversion product in both formalin solution and blood. Finally, carbosulfan is rapidly hydrolysed to carbofuran and its metabolites, 3-ketocarbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran within 24 h. Conclusions: The forensic toxicologist should consider the degradation products as potential target analytes when performing drugs analysis in embalming samples.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Anderson, Dr Robert
• Authors: Yokchue, T., and Anderson, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing

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