SERS, Raman, and DFT analyses of fentanyl and carfentanil: Toward detection of trace samples. (24th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leonard, Jennifer; Haddad, Abed; Green, Omar; Birke, Ronald L.; Kubic, Thomas; Kocak, Ali; Lombardi, John R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Raman spectroscopy. Volume 48:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1323
• Page End: 1329
• Publication Date: 2017-08-24
• Subjects: carfentanil -- DFT -- fentanyl -- opioids -- SERS; Raman spectroscopy -- Periodicals; 535.846
• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.5220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0377-0486

Abstract

Abstract: We examine the normal Raman and the surface‐enhanced Raman spectra of fentanyl and carfentanil. As an aid in the assignment of the spectral lines, we present a density functional theory calculation. Although Raman spectroscopy is a valuable analytic tool for the detection and identification of molecular species, it is a weak effect and requires specialized equipment for detection of trace samples. We therefore turn to surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, which utilizes the large enhancement of the Raman signal endowed by proximity to silver or gold nanoparticles. The enhancement factor (EF ) obtained in this experiment is ≥1.6 × 10 5 . This points the way towards future development of a simple and sensitive technique for the detection of analytes in trace quantities, particularly for wider application in forensic science. Abstract : The current opioid epidemic calls for a sensitive analytical technique for trace materials. Fentanyl and carfentanil, 2 major culprits, were investigated using normal Raman and SERS and bolstered by density functional theory calculations. This points the way towards future development of simple techniques for the detection of analytes in trace quantities for application in forensic science.