Tagging of model amphetamines with sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate: Application to the indirect electrochemical detection of amphetamines in oral (saliva) fluid

Abstract

Proof-of-concept is shown for the indirect electrochemical detection of model amphetamines, D-amphetamine sulfate and pseudoephedrine, based on the labeling of the amphetamine models with sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS). The presence of the amphetamine models is monitored via either the reduction in the magnitude of the voltammetric peak corresponding to the electrochemical reduction of the quinone functionality of the sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate or via growth of a new voltammetric peak related to reaction between the amphetamine model and NQS, both of which are well resolved from one another. The protocol is shown to be successful in artificial saliva and authentic human oral (saliva) fluid. Such a protocol may be particularly attractive for roadside testing of amphetamines in drug drivers. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.