NCJ Number
137577
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 17-23
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Color tests, ultraviolet spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and dispersive infrared spectroscopy were employed to develop a general scheme for the synthesis and identification of a class of compounds known as alkyl nitrites.
Abstract
The tests described, together with visual observations, provide a simple, but accurate approach to the identification of alkyl nitrites which can be performed in almost any laboratory with only modest instrumentation. These procedures eliminate the need for standards and require only the corresponding alcohols, which are stable and readily available, to be kept on hand. The extensive abuse of alkyl nitrites and the potential link between Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS victims enhances the need to be able to readily identify these drugs. 3 figures, 1 table, and 11 references (Author abstract modified)