Synthetic Cannabinoids

JSB added the new IRD3 to their assortment which is ideal for detecting synthetic cannabinoids.

In early 2011 the chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana were banned for at least one year by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The five synthetic cannabinoids included JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47 and C8 homologue. Other state and federal agencies have banned one or more of these cannabinoids in the last year as well. The complexity and similarities of the chemical structures make identification of these compounds with GC-MS very challenging.

The IRD 3 is designed from the chromatographer’s point-of-view and is the only analytical infrared instrument that seamlessly combines the separating power of the Gas Chromatography with the molecular identification of FTIR.

• Dedicated FTIR for use with GC
• Low maintenance and easy to use
• Small footprint
• Software interfaces with GC control software
• Seamless integration with MS

The IRD 3 is the perfect tool for the chromatographer looking to obtain more information about unknown samples. Using a heater light pipe flow cell, the sample is kept in a vapor state while interacting with IR. This allows the molecules to freely rotate in a low energy environment. Keeping the molecular geometry in tack during analysis provides unique and highly reproducible spectra.

Figure 2* shows the spectra for a selection of synthetic cannabinoids. The results show the ability of the IRD to differentiate between not only similar compounds but larger molecules.

This example illustrates the tremendous power of the IRD to distinguish between compounds which are very similar structurally. It also points out the excellent complementary information that the IRD and MSD provide. The combination of these two instruments provide exceptional capability for qualitative analysis at a very high confidence level. (Figure 3*)

For further information click here or email us.