From historical drugs to present perils: UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS determination of methaqualone and its designer analogs (NPS) with comprehensive fragmentation pathways study (QTOF)
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Methaqualone, introduced in the 1960s as a sedative-hypnotic alternative to barbiturates, was withdrawn from the market due to its side effects and growing recreational use. Despite this, interest in methaqualone and its analogs remains high, raising concerns about potential abuse in the future.An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was developed to determine nine methaqualone-related compounds simultaneously. Biological samples were prepared using liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate at pH 9, quantification was performed in blood using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Methaqualone-d7 served as an internal standard. The limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.1 to 0.2 ng/mL, with precision and accuracy within 20%. Recovery ranged from 84.2% to 113.7%.The developed method allowed chromatographic separation of all compounds tested, including two structural isomers: methtylmethaqualone and etaqualone. The mass spectra aquired from quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer allowed for the elucidation of comprehensive fragmentation study of methaqualone derivatives.The described situation poses a significant problem from the analytical point of view, as well as interpretation and forensic toxicological expertise. The developed method will contribute to increased analytical capabilities and enhanced detection of compounds from the methaqualone group that may appear on the illicit market.
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G7385919543
OpenAlex ID: W4404142294