Collection, Compilation and Computer Retrieval of the Analytical Data of Compounds Listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Abstract

The structure of the forensic science service and the functions of individual laboratories in England and Wales are briefly outlined. The position in 1972 concerning the lack of forensic reference samples and analytical data on those compounds included in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is described. As a result of these deficiencies a contract, which enabled the present work to be carried out was drawn up between the Interdisciplinary Higher Degrees Scheme and the Pharmacy Department at the University of Aston and the Home Office Central Research Establishment, Aldermaston. The requirements of this contract are given. The methods adopted for creating a comprehensive reference sample and analytical data collection, based on the four methods of mass spectrometry, infra-red and ultra-violet spectrophotometry and thin layer chromatography included within the contract are illustrated. The commercial sources of 19 compounds are tabulated and the full synthetic methods for 18 compounds are listed in Appendix (1). The application of "Chemical Ionisation" mass spectrometry to forensic analyses has been investigated and the conclusion formulated that the method was more specific than electron impact for potentially unstable compounds such: as Methadone, Pethidine and Amphetamine. The tabulated chemical ionisation mass spectra of 40 compounds are quoted. The methods previously used to code analytical data for computer retrieval have been examined and a "major peaks" coding approach for mass and infra-red spectral data adopted. The development of computer programs to retrieve the coded analytical data in order to provide a fully comprehensive interactive retrieval system are described and the optimum conditions required when using this approach in terms of the quality of the analytical data and its future application to larger systems are proposed. Flow diagrams, examples of the input required and the output produced by the program plus a detailed description of how the program operates fully illustrates the retrieval system in use. A full FORTRAN program listing is shown in Appendix (2). The coded analytical details available for all the 117 compounds in the Misuse of Drugs Act are listed in Appendix (3).