Toxicological analysis of phenylethylamines by high performance reversed-phase ion-pair partition thin-layer and liquid chromatographies.

A rapid and specific method was developed to identify phenylethylamines in urine. After an organic extraction at appropriate pH, reverse phase ion-pair partition chromatographies were used: a high performance thin-layer test followed by high performance liquid chromatography. The use and benefits of the procedure are described in detail and compared with other methods. In a very short time (10 min) the presence of phenylethylamine is detected on a thin-layer plate. In the case of positive result the product is then specifically identified by high performance liquid chromatography by means of a complete UV spectrum traced directly on the eluated compound. The sensitivity of the method is highly increased because the detection is operated at 215 nm.