Analysis of amphetamine‐type substances by capillary zone electrophoresis using capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection

CE with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C(4)D) was employed for the separation and detection of seven amphetamine analogues as well as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The separation electrolyte was 30 mM hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) in a 75 mM acetic acid+25 mM sodium acetate buffer adjusted to pH 4.55. Conductivity detection was compared with UV detection using this same electrolyte. Average detection limits for C(4)D and UV were 1.3 and 1.0 ppm, respectively. The effects of HPbetaCD concentration and BGE composition on the selectivity of the separation were also investigated. An illicit, street-grade sample of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) and a prescription dextroamphetamine tablet were also analysed.