Rapid Method for the Determination of Malthene and Asphaltene Content in Bitumen, Heavy Oils, and Synthetic Fuels by Pyrolysis TLC

The transformation of high molecular weight components present in heavy oils into useable liquid fuels requires their decomposition by means of a variety of processes. The low molecular weight species produced recombine under controlled conditions to generate synthetic fuels. However, an important fraction undergo further recombination into higher molecular weight components, leading to the formation of coke. The optical texture of the coke can be related to its originating components. Those with high sulfur and oxygen content tend to produce cokes with small optical texture or fine mosaic, whereas compounds with relatively high hydrogen content are likely to produce large optical texture or domains. In addition, the structure of the parent chemical components, planar or nonplanar, determines the isotropic or anisotropic character of the coke. Planar molecules have a tendency to align in an approximately parallel arrangement to initiate the formation of the nematic mesophase leading to the formation of anisotropic coke. Nonplanar highly alkylated compounds and/or those rich in polar groups form isotropic coke. The aliphatic branches produce steric hindrance to alignment, whereas the polar groups participate in cross-linking reactions.

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A Rapid Method for Determination of Buprenorphine and Norbuprenorphine in Urine by UPLC-MS/MS

Current Pharmaceutical Analysis ◽

10.2174/1573412916999200627010536 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Aykut Kul ◽

Murat Ozdemir ◽

Selma Ozilhan ◽

Olcay Sagirli

Keyword(s):

Forensic Science ◽

Rapid Method ◽

Proficiency Testing ◽

Mass Spectrometer ◽

Illicit Market ◽

Analysis Methods ◽

Accuracy And Precision ◽

Lower Limits

Background: Buprenorphine is quite common in the illicit market. Buprenorphine-containing drugs abuse is frequently encountered in patients. The analysis methods used to determine the abuse of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine are important for forensic science. Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine by the liver. Objective: Therefore, the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in urine is one of the methods to determine the abuse of buprenorphine. Methods: In this study, we have developed a precise, simple, and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometer method for the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine simultaneously. Results: The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity and linearity, which was in the range of 9–1800 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. The intra-assay and inter-assay accuracy and precision were found within acceptable limits of the EMA guideline. Lower limits of quantitation were 9 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. Conclusion: The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of both analytes in the proficiency testing samples.

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