1H NMR analysis of GHB and GBL: Further findings on the interconversion and a preliminary report on the analysis of GHB in serum and urine
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2005
Abstract
A 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) method for the determination of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and gamma- hydroxybutyrolactone (GBL) in human serum and urine using spiked samples has been developed. The method gives linear responses (correlation coefficients of 0.99 or greater) over the concentration range 0.01 mg/mL to 4.0 mg/mL in urine and 0.3 mg/mL to 2.0 mg/mL in serum. No sample pretreatment is required. Studies of the chemical interconversion of GBL and GHB showed hydrolysis of GBL to be rapid at pH 11.54, slower and less complete (30% hydrolysis) at pH 2.54 and slowest at pH 7.0, reaching 30% hydrolysis in about 40 days. No esterification of GHB was observed at any pH.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume
50
Issue
1
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Del Signore, Anthony G., Michael McGregor, and Bongsup P. Cho. "1H NMR analysis of GHB and GBL: Further findings on the interconversion and a preliminary report on the analysis of GHB in serum and urine." Journal of Forensic Sciences 50, 1 (2005): 81-86. doi: 10.1520/jfs2004179.