The Use of Capillary Columns for the Detection of Barbiturates in Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

A gas chromatographic (GC) method involving the use of a capillary column and methylating agents for the qualitative analysis of 10 barbiturates was developed. The method included the use of a hydrogen flame ionization detector, a 15.24 m .times. 0.76 mm stainless steel capillary column coated with OV-17 stationary phase and 2 methylating agents, trimethylanilinium hydroxide and methyl iodide (MI) in the presence of K2CO3 as a condensing agent. The results were compared to a standard GC technique. Improved results from the use of MI and a mixed solvent system, acetone/methanol, rather than acetone alone, were observed. Applications of this technique to barbiturate overdose patients were made.