The Nitrogen-Phosphorus Detector in the Gas Chromatographic Assay of Unmetabolized Methylphenidate

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Abstract
A sensitive and specific gas chromatographic method, using the nitrogen/phosphorus (N-P) detector for the detection and quantitative determination of methylphenidate extracted from urine has been developed and is described. The method involves a simple extraction step followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Emphasis was put primarily on the development of a rapid and simple extraction of the intact drug, as well as on the possible integration of the assay into a more general scheme of analysis directed at the detection of several potential drugs of abuse. Results show that unchanged methylphenidate, in spite of its extensive and rapid biotransformation, may be detected and quantitatively determined in urine up to 12 hours after administration of a single, normal pharmacological dose to man. The advantages of the use of the N-P detector, particularly the absence of biological matrix interferences, are discussed.

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