Griffin G510x App Note: On-Site Detection and Identification of BTMPS in Seized Fentanyl Samples

An industrial chemical known as Bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) has, since July 2024, been seen as a probable “cutting agent” or adulterant in illicit fentanyl samples across the US. According to the Stanislaus County District Attorney, “...there is no non-laboratory test available to determine if BTMPS is present in drugs." The Griffin G510x changes that, allowing in-field testing in only a few minutes.

Challenge

Beginning in July of 2024, an industrial chemical commonly known as BTMPS has been identified in several samples of seized illicit Fentanyl samples across the US. According to the Stanislaus County District
Attorney, “...there is no non-laboratory test available to determine if BTMPS is present in drugs."

Chemical Relevance

Beginning in July of 2024, an industrial chemical commonly known as BTMPS has been identified by National Institute of Standards and Technology in several samples of seized illicit Fentanyl samples across the US, with locations including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, Puerto Rico, and other California Sites. In some cases is it present at higher concentrations than Fentanyl.

While data regarding health risks is sparse, NICNAS of Australia published a report in 2018 indicating a high acute toxicity by inhalation exposure and severe eye damage on contact. Additionally, UCLA researchers refer to a study that has shown action on nicotinic receptors.

Technical Results Discussion

Low concentration standards of both Fentanyl and BTMPS (< 40 ng/μL) were injected separately on a Griffin G510x with the respective results shown in Figures 1 and 2. Equal amounts of each were mixed and the mixture then injected (Figure 3).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

It should be noted that scan number can effectively be used to calculate a more precise retention time, as the scan rate of the instrument is constant. The ability of the G510x to identify and alarm on Fentanyl is completely unaffected by the presence of BTMPS.

Conclusion

The Griffin G510x is a valuable tool both in the fight against synthetic opiates like fentanyl and in the identifying new or emerging cutting agents or adulterants. Furthermore, this data can be generated in minutes on-site/on-scene to rapidly identify new trends in production appearing nationwide or globally.

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