The GC-MS detection and characterization of neopine resulting from opium use and codeine metabolism and its potential as an opiate-product-use marker

Neopine, a minor opium alkaloid and an isomer of codeine (also known as beta-codeine), has been detected in both the urine of opium users and pharmaceutical codeine users. The characterization of neopine was achieved by comparison of the mass spectra and GC retention times of the trimethylsilyl deri...

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Published inAnalytical and bioanalytical chemistry Vol. 382; no. 3; pp. 830 - 835
Main Authors Al-Amri, Abdel M, Smith, Roger M, El-Haj, Babiker M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.06.2005
Subjects
Biomarkers - chemistry
Codeine - chemistry
Codeine - metabolism
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - instrumentation
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - methods
Humans
Hydrocodone - analogs & derivatives
Hydrocodone - analysis
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Molecular Structure
Opium - chemistry
Opium - urine
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Summary:Neopine, a minor opium alkaloid and an isomer of codeine (also known as beta-codeine), has been detected in both the urine of opium users and pharmaceutical codeine users. The characterization of neopine was achieved by comparison of the mass spectra and GC retention times of the trimethylsilyl derivative. The presence of neopine in the urine of pharmaceutical codeine users was attributed to the metabolism of codeine through a double bond migration in ring C, from the 7-8 to the 8-14 position. The potential use of the alkaloid as a confirmation marker of opium and/or pharmaceutical codeine use and the ability to differentiate these from heroin use has been discussed.
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ISSN:1618-2642
1618-2650
DOI:10.1007/s00216-005-3168-6