An expeditious route to the two major metabolites of Zolpidem—and readily applicable to the synthesis of the drug—was established via a cyclization reaction between a 2-aminopyridine and a suitable α-bromoacetophenone. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed from a 2D 1H–15N NMR correlation. Their mass spectra contribute to a reliable toxicological identification of the drug in the case of drug-facilitated crimes.
The immunoassay method and kit are provided for the detection and/or the determination of zolpidem. The disclosure provides novel antibodies, derived from a novel immunogen, that are highly sensitive and bind to zolpidem and its main urinary metabolite [3-(2-N,N-dimethylamino-2-oxoethyl)-6-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl]benzoic acid, enabling an extension of the detection window of zolpidem in individuals who have abused the drug, or have been victim of its side-effects or its criminal misuse.