In vitro metabolite identification using fast gradient high performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry.

Metabolite identification can provide critical information for further synthesis during the lead optimization stage of drug discovery. Fast chromatographic gradient methodology was explored to reduce the analysis time for metabolite identification by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry while maintaining chromatographic separation of all components of interest. Short HPLC columns (2 cm) containing 3 microm particles were used and the chromatographic conditions involved elevated flow rates (1.0-2.5 mL/min) and fast, full range linear gradients (<2 min). Detection was accomplished by fast scanning triple quadrupole mass spectrometers or a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Analysis of liver microsomal incubations of several compounds indicates that separation of isomeric metabolites as well as the parent compound is feasible with analysis times not exceeding 2 minutes.