Extraction of atomoxetine from aqueous solutions with benzene and toluene

Abstract

Atomoxetine ((3R)-N-methyl-3-(2-methylphenoxy)-3- phenylpropan-1-amine hydrochloride) is a modern thymoleptic of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor group used in the pharmacotherapy of attention deficit disorder in children [1]. The drug has side effects and, under certain conditions, can cause poisoning of varying severity, including fatal poisoning. Most of bioanalytical methods described in the literature for atomoxetine determination are based on using high pressure liquid chromatography with the preliminary solid phase extraction as a sample preparation stage. The reported sample preparation methods require special materials and mostly are not available for the native toxicological laboratories. Liquid-liquid extraction is an alternative to solid phase extraction. Benzene and toluene are of interest as effective extractants of medicinal substances. The aim of the study was to determine the extraction yield of atomoxetine by aromatic organic solvents depending on the pH values of aqueous phase.