Adderall Analysis:A Comparison
EJ Habina and Dan Palumbo
Purpose
• Using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, evaluate an amphetamine salt isomer from a generic, prescription-brand adderall.
• Compare results and structure of the generic brand to a name brand adderall and see if any difference exists.
Background• Adderall is a combination
of amphetamine salts used as medication to treat ADHD and narcolepsy
• Once Adderall enters the bloodstream, the amphetamines stimulate the brain's production of norepinephrine and dopamine
Adderall Composition
More Information
• Detection and analysis of amphetamine salts is important in forensic science due to their widespread abuse
• In non-ADHD users, Adderall produces a surge of focus and energy and an accompanying loss of appetite
Method 1: FT-IR
1. Crush tablet of dextroamphetamine sulfate to a fine powder
2. Run an IR scan in Organic Lab3. Determine structure based on peak reading4. Follow procedure above for generic and
name brand and compare peaks
FT-IR Spectra – Generic
FT-IR Spectra – Generic and Dextro salt
FT-IR Spectra – All three samples
Method 2: NMR
1. Dissolve 20mg of dextroamphetamine sulfate in 1mL D2O in an NMR tube
2. Run 13C-NMR 10k scans overnight3. Collect spectra and determine peaks4. Repeat for generic and name brand and
compare results
NMR Spectra – Dextro salt
NMR Spectra – Generic
NMR Spectra – Name Brand
Results
• We were able to produce successful spectra from both FT-IR and NMR for all three samples
• Comparatively, we found the peaks were virtually identical for the name brand and generic brand on both instruments
• We were also able to use the pure Dextro salt to identify specific peaks of interest as well as to prove our method was successful
Discussion
• Our original goal was to isolate one of the amphetamine salts and use it to spike a sample of pure Adderall
• However, the isolation process requires dangerous chemicals and lengthy procedures
• The one synthetic route we found is not stereo-selective so we could not tell which isomer we were isolating which set us up for error
This is for Kiersten…