Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs

This two-day class will provide participants with an in-depth introduction into the narcotic drug fentanyl and its analogs. During the first day fentanyl’s uses, pharmacology, abuse, and illicit production methods are discussed in detail. This includes fentanyl analog synthesis and safety considerations both at a illicit drug laboratory crime scene and in the forensic laboratory during analysis. Day two starts with a discussion of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs that have been seized and those being advertised online. Different types of analytical data from fentanyl and various analogs are reviewed and discussed for similarities and differences. This is followed by spectral interpretation of suspected fentanyl-related data. Class participants are given a set of unknown data to evaluate, test, and further
develop their structural elucidation skills. These types of spectral interpretation exercises are very helpful in developing the skills necessary to effectively evaluate analytical data from true unknowns. The class ends with a review of those interpretations and the distribution of training certificates. Due to the potent nature of this class of compounds, no laboratory exercises are performed, only classroom exercises.