A study to model the post-mortem stability of 4-MMC, MDMA and BZP in putrefying remains

作者：Wenholz, Daniel S.; Luong, Susan; Philp, Morgan; Forbes, Shari L.; Stuart, Barbara H.; Drummer, Olaf H.; Fu, Shanlin^*

来源：Forensic Science International, 2016, 265: 54-60.

DOI：10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.01.006

• Putrefactive degradation
• 4-methylmethcathinone
• 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
• N-benzylpiperazine

There is currently limited data available on the stabilities of the three stimulants 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) in a putrefying matrix. A Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method to determine the concentration of the three drugs in putrefying porcine liver over a three month period was developed and validated. Both 4-MMC and BZP were found to be unstable, becoming undetectable and having an average recovery of 52% respectively after one month at ambient room temperature (20 degrees C). MDMA was found to be moderately stable, with an average recovery of 74% after three months at room temperature. This study indicated that the putrefaction process could have a significant impact on concentrations of 4-MMC and BZP in post-mortem cases involving putrefied remains.

• 出版日期2016-8