Complete separation of ephedrines by graphite-layer open-tubular (GLOT) column

The preparation of graphite-layer capillary column is described together with their application to the analysis of aliphatic and aromatic amines. Attention is mainly focused on the separation of ephedrines which, being sympathomimetic amines, are often present in pharmaceutical preparations, but are also illegally used by athletes as stimulants. Complete separation of these compounds, using direct GC-NPD analysis of human urine extract, without derivatisation, has been obtained