Rapid, sensitive gas-liquid chromatographic screening procedure for cocaine

Abstract

Cocaine is an alkaloid which is isolated from the leaves of the plant Erythroxylon cdco. The drug may also be prepared semi-synthetically from the acid, ecgonine. Based upon the observations of Nieman, Roller, and Freud, circa 1884, the use of cocaine as an anesthetic spread rapidly through the medical community. The drug served as a local anesthetic until supplanted to a great extent by Einhom's introduction of procaine in 1905. The addictive nature of cocaine was recognized early (1). Cocaine causes feelings of elation in the user. Chronic abuse of the drug may cause mental impairment, loss of appetite, and a tendency to withdraw from society. © 1974, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.