Flash alkylation for the identification of barbiturates in biological material

The gas chromatog. identification of barbiturates isolated from biol. material is not optimal, and due to their polar nature, it is difficult to obtain good resoln. on most columns. To improve resoln., flash alkylation appeared to be a reasonable alternative. Me, Et, and Bu derivs. were prepd. for various drugs found in the acid-neutral ext. and the Kovats retention indices (Ir) were detd. on SE-30, OV-17, and SP-2250. The Ir of the alkylated derivs. of the barbiturates are highly reproducible. One column and 2 alkylated derivs. can be used for the qual. anal. of barbiturates in exts. of biol. material, even when the Stas-Otto ext. is used.