AUTOMATIC CONTINUOUS-FLOW METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF COCAINE

A new method for the indirect determination of cocaine with an automatic continuous liquid extractor is reported. The method involves the formation of different ion pairs between the drug and inorganic complexes, BlI4-, Co(SCN)4(2-), Ni(SCN)4(2-), Fe(SCN)6(3-), and Reinecke salt, followed by their extraction and the determination of bismuth, cobalt, nickel, iron, and chromium in the organic phase (1,2-dichloroethane) by atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimal pH, complex concentration, and values of FIA variables were determined. The method permits the determination of cocaine over a wide concentration range (1-2000-mu-g/mL). The method is most sensitive for BlI4- and most selective for Fe(SCN)6(3-).