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Teaching Experimental Design Using a GC-MS Analysis of Cocaine on Money: A Cross-Disciplinary Laboratory

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Christopher A. Heimbuck and Nathan W. Bower

Chemistry Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3298

J. Chem. Educ., 2002, 79 (10), p 1254

DOI: 10.1021/ed079p1254

Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2002

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The forensic analysis of cocaine on currencies was optimized using a fractional, two-level experimental design that compared methanol and HCl extraction, SPE versus heptane pre-concentration, and extracted versus total ion chromatography. Subsequent student-initiated questions about levels of cocaine on U.S. and world currencies helped make connections to societal issues while teaching method optimization and chromatography. A significant correlation was found between the levels of cocaine and the age of the bills. Levels of cocaine on various world currencies followed expected drug-trafficking patterns with the highest levels found in the most developed countries.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals

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