Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Forensic Drug Chemistry and its Preliminary and Confirmatory Tests

Steefan Panusein^* Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
^*Correspondence: Steefan Panusein, Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Paris-Sud, Orsay, France, Email:

Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. PAA-23-21206; Editor assigned: 07-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. PAA-23-21206(PQ); Reviewed: 21-Apr-2023, QC No. PAA-23-21206; Revised: 28-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. PAA-23-21206(R); Published: 04-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2153-2435.23.14.726

Description

The identification and examination of illegal drugs in criminal proceedings is the focus of the forensic science field of drug chemistry. To ascertain the chemical make-up and properties of unidentified substances, such as powders, liquids, stains, plants, pills, or capsules, forensic drug chemists employ a variety of techniques and tools. These substances might contain one or more substances that are categorized as controlled substances by the law, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, or prescription medications. Providing scientific proof that may be utilized by law enforcement, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and courts to show the existence and type of illegal substances in a case is the aim of forensic drug chemistry.

Presumptive and confirmatory tests are the two basic categories used in forensic drug chemistry. Presumptive tests are quick and easy procedures that reveal the potential existence of an illicit substance in a substance. Typically, they are based on color reactions, in which a chemical reagent changes color when it interacts with a particular medicine. For instance, the Marquis reagent reacts with heroin or morphine and turns purple. Physical characteristics, such as melting point, solubility, or crystal structure, can also form the basis for presumptive testing. Preliminary tests can be carried out in the field by law enforcement personnel or used to filter huge numbers of samples.

Presumptive tests, however, are not conclusive and are unable to positively identify a substance. They might also produce inaccurate results, either positive or negative, as a result of interference from other chemicals or environmental conditions.

Confirmatory tests are more reliable and accurate procedures for providing a definite identification of a drug in a substance. The majority of the time, they are based on instrumental procedures that separate, quantify, and compare chemical signatures of various components in a substance to reference standards. One such technology is Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), which separates compounds in a material based on their volatility and mass and generates a distinctive spectrum for each item that can be compared to a database.

Confirmatory tests can also provide quantitative data on the amount or purity of a medication present in a material. High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), for example, is a technology that separates chemicals in a material based on their polarity and measures their concentration based on their light absorbance. Confirmatory tests are carried out in the laboratory by qualified forensic chemists who adhere to standard operating protocols and quality control methods to verify the accuracy and reliability of their results. Confirmatory tests are essential when presenting scientific evidence as expert witness in court. Forensic drug chemistry is a vital and difficult discipline that necessitates a strong chemistry background as well as analytical abilities.

Forensic drug scientists must understand the molecular properties and reactivity of numerous medications as well as their adulterants or contaminants. They must also be capable of operating and maintaining sophisticated apparatus and software capable of producing complex data and spectra. In addition, forensic drug chemists must be able to analyze and report their findings in a clear and objective manner that can stand up to judicial examination. Forensic drug chemists are critical in solving drug-related crimes and advancing justice.