INVESTIGATION OF LIQUIDS USED IN VAPING DEVICES

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to develop some theoretical provisions and scientifically-based practical recommendations concerning investigation of e-liquids used in vaping devices, in particular, the sequence of sample preparation
of liquids. e-Liquids, presented in the mixture as a ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol, were further qualitatively and
quantitatively analyzed by chromate-mass spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study are general scientific and partial methods of scientific knowledge. Their comprehensive
application allowed to clearly define the purpose and tasks of the study in the context of the combination of scientific
achievements and the requirements of forensic practice. e-Liquids, containing drugs and psychotropic substances
derived from plants hemp, were analyzed for vaping devices with the help of empirical methods (in view of the logic
of the cognitive process it is a component of general scientific methods and of general logic), such as description, analysis, measurement, comparison, observation, experiment. Whereas the absence of characteristic pungent smoke allow masking their use in such way. The possibility of qualitative and quantitative determination of tetrahydrocannabinol
by gas-liquid chromatography with mass-selective and flame-ionization detection was analyzed and experimentally
tested, the features of such studies were outlined. Partial methods were used to study specific phenomena of chemical and biological nature. Intermediate and final calculations of the experiment were performed by mathematical
methods. Scientific novelty. The methodology of sample preparation of e-liquids based on glycerin-propylene glycol
mixtures used in e-cigarettes has been developed for their further qualitative and quantitative determination by chromate-mass spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography. Conclusions. The main problems of investigation of e-liquids based on glycerol-propylene glycol mixtures are outlined, in particular, at the step of sample preparation process.
In the absence of clear methodological regulation of the process, experts must resort to experimental selection of the
optimal solvent for extraction and they must establish the sequence for their further gravimetric analysis (determination of dry residue of cannabis extract) and gas chromatography determination (analytical quantification of tetrahydrocannabinol). Methodology for sample preparation of e-liquids based on glycerol-propylene glycol mixtures used in
e-cigarettes was proposed. It could be useful for their further qualitative and quantitative analysis by chromate-mass
spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography. The impossibility of quantitative (and in some cases qualitative) determination of tetrahydrocannabinol by gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection experimentally
proved due to the presence in the composition of glycerol-propylene glycol liquids that have close retention time to
the that one for tetrahydrocannabinol and «come out» of the column as one analytical signal («peak»). The possibility
of solving this problem was proved by chromate-mass spectrometry using selective ion scanning mode (Selective Ion
Monitoring) in the case when it is impossible to select conditions for chromatographic separation of tetrahydrocannabinol in a mixture with other related components. Experimental data for a comparative study of the extraction of
tetrahydrocannabinol from aqueous solutions were analyzed for steaming with three different organic solvents. As a
result, it was found that diethyl ether exhibits slightly better extraction properties for the investigated object; methods
for drug preparation from hemp were analyzed on the basis of e-liquids for vaping devices. It is emphasized that these
methods of preparation are relatively simple, and the lack of characteristic pungent smoke allows masking their use.
Therefore, under this consideration, it is necessary to form a democratic society and developing of institutions and a
state governed by the rule of law. They require normalization of all spheres of society. In the view of the risks facing
today, it would be good to interpret and clearly define the concept of «e-cigarettes», to regulate their circulation at the
legislative level.