| In this work, a microwave–enhanced air–assisted liquid–liquid microextraction method combined with gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry has been developed for morphine and oxymorphone assessment in EBC
samples. For this purpose, choline chloride-menthol-phenylacetic acid deep eutectic solvent (as an extraction
solvent), butyl chloroformate (as a derivatization agent), and picoline (as a catalyst) are used. After performing
predetermined extraction cycles in the microextraction method, the obtained cloudy solution is exposed to
microwave irradiations to enhance extraction and derivatization efficiencies. The method provided low limits of
detection (morphine 2.1 and oxymorphone 1.5 ng mL−1) and quantification (morphine 7.2 and oxymorphone
5.2 ng mL−1) in the EBC samples. The method had proper repeatability, accuracy, and stability expressed as
relative standard deviations less than 5.1, 9, and 9%, respectively. The developed method was successfully used
to determine morphine and oxymorphone concentrations in the EBC samples of addict patients. |