Mass spectra of bicyclic terpenoid ketones

Examination of fragmentation patterns of five bicyclic ketones containing cyclopropane rings and their deuterated analogs indicates that similarity in structure gives minimal similarity in fragmentation. No generalizations can be made concerning either the loss of similar fragments or their deuterium content.     

Nachbargruppeneffekte bei der massenspektrometrischen Fragmentierung: N-Acetyl-ω-Phenylalkylamine. 20. Mitteilung über das massenspektrometrische verhalten von stickstoffverbindung

The mass spectral behaviour of the difunctional alkane N-acetyl-4-phenyl-butylamine ( 3 ) was investigated. The main fragmentation of compound 3 is caused by the interaction on the two functional groups, which could be shown by comparison of the corresponding monofunctional compounds n-butylbenzene ( 4 ) and N-acetyl-n-butylamine ( 5 ). On the bases of high resolution data, the analyses of metastable transitions and the comparison of the spectra of some homologs and deuterated analogs of 3 the structures and their genesis of the main fragment i ons were deducted.     

Reversed-Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Separation of Deuterated Compounds of Biological Importance from Their Protio Analogs

Abstract

A rapid and a practical HPLC method with UV-VIS detection was developed for the separation and analysis of deuterated carotenoids from their protio analogs. Four different chromatography systems were developed. The results showed that with reversed-phase C₁₈ columns it was possible to baseline resolve fully deuterated carotenoids from the nondeuterated analogs. In all instances the deuterated compound eluted ahead of its protio analog indicating that van der Waals forces are operational during the separation process. Specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility make these methods particularly suitable in plant chemistry for semi-preparative purification processes and methodologies.     

Fragmentation study and analysis of benzoylurea insecticides and their analogs by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry

Two insecticides, diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron, and their analogs have been separated by liquid chromatography (LC) and their fragmentation mechanisms were studied by electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MSⁿ) in both positive- and negative-ion modes. Sequential product ion fragmentation experiments were performed in order to explain the degradation pathways and identify their predominant fragment ions. It was indicated that the characteristic fragmentations are the loss of neutral molecules such as HF, HNO₂, and HCl to form stable ring structure or the cleavage of the acyl amine to form conjugated structure. Furthermore, the separation and determination of two benzoylurea (BU) insecticides and their analogs in the water samples from Weiming Lake have been described by LC-ESI-MS in negative mode. By the use of deprotonated molecule for quantitative analysis at low capillary exit voltage, low detection limits, good linearity and reproducibility for standard solutions were presented.     

Structural elucidation studies on 14- and 16-membered macrolide aglycones by accurate-mass electrospray sequential mass spectrometry

Collision induced dissociation sequential mass spectrometry was used to investigate the fragmentation of the heptaketide macrolide aglycones, 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6-dEB), erythronolide B (EB), and acetate-starter EB (Ac-EB). The fragmentations of two previously reported octaketide analogs produced by "stuttering" of the erythromycin polyketide synthase, stuttered-6-dEB and acetate-starter stuttered-6-dEB were also studied. The accuracy with which the mass of each fragment was measured allowed it to be attributed to an unambiguous formula. Most of the experiments were repeated using samples dissolved in deuterated solvents. These data were then used to deduce plausible fragmentation pathways of the five compounds which were shown to have a high degree of similarity. Preliminary fragmentation analysis of a novel octaketide analog was performed and the structure was predicted as stuttered EB. Subsequent scale-up of the bacterial fermentations, followed by isolation and characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed this prediction. Further fragmentation experiments were then performed on this compound, which provided further evidence of the similarity of the fragmentation schemes. These results demonstrate the utility of collision induced dissociation sequential mass spectrometry analysis in the preliminary screening of bacterial fermentations for new polyketides. These studies were performed by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.     

Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and their metabolites

A detailed multi-stage (MSn) fragmentation study of cyclophosphamide (CP), ifosfamide (IF) and their major metabolites, using an ion-trap mass spectrometer and a Q-TOF mass spectrometer, was performed with the aid of specifically deuterium-labeled analogs. The analytes showed good responses in positive-ion electrospray mass spectrometry as [MH]+ ions. Tandem mass spectra revealed a wealth of structurally specific ions, allowing characterization of the fragmentation pathways of these analytes. The major fragmentation pathways of the protonated CP and IF are elimination of ethylene from C5 and C6 of 1,3,2-oxazaphosphorine-2-oxide via a McLafferty rearrangement, and cleavage of the P-N bond. However, their activated 4-OOH and 4-OH metabolites primarily underwent hydrogen peroxide elimination and dehydration, respectively, followed by fragmentation pathways similar to those of CP and IF. These results should prove useful in structural elucidation of future analogs of CP and IF, and/or of their metabolites.     

Differentiation of Diastereoisomers of Protected 1,2-Diaminoalkylphosphonic Acids by EI Mass Spectrometry and Density Functional Theory

Electron ionization mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to study the fragmentation of diastereoisomers of protected 1,2-diaminoalkylphosphonic acids. The loss of a diethoxyphosphoryl group and the elimination of diethyl phosphonate were found to be competitive fragmentation processes, which can be used to differentiate both stereoisomers. Selective deuterated analogs and product- and precursor-ion mass spectra allowed the elucidation of the fragmentation mechanisms. The structures of the transition states and product ions were optimized using the density functional theory (DFT), and free energy calculations confirmed the observed differences in the formation and relative intensities of specific fragment ions.

Fragmentation pathways of O-alkyl methylphosphonothionocyanidates in the gas phase: Toward unambiguous structural characterization of chemicals in the Chemical Weapons Convention framework

The electron-impact (EI) mass spectra of a series of O-alkyl methylphosphonothionocyanidates were studied for Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) purposes. General EI fragmentation pathways were constructed and discussed, and collision-induced dissociation studies of the major EI ions were performed to confirm proposed fragment structures by analyzing fragment ions of deuterated analogs and by use of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Thiono–thiolo rearrangement, McLafferty-type rearrangement, and a previously unknown intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction were observed and confirmed. The study also focused on differentiation of isomeric compounds. Retention indices for all compounds, and an electrophilicity index for several compounds, are reported and interpreted.     

Fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry and low energy collision-induced tandem mass spectrometry of tauroconjugated bile acid anions

Fragmentation of negative ions produced by fast-atom bombardment (FAB) from 14 tauroconjugated bile acids and some of their deuterated analogs has been studied by mass spectrometry and by collision-induced dissociation (CED) tandem mass spectrometry at low energy. Low energy collision-induced dissociation of the deprotonated molecules [M - H]^? of these tauroconjugated bile acids leads to both charge-driven and charge-remote fragmentations (CRF). The former yields neutral loss from the side chain with charge migration during the fragmentation process. These fragments dominate the CID spectra, but are absent from the FAB spectra. Their relative abundances are dependent on the number and the positions of the hydroxyl groups in the steroid nucleus and thus permit distinction among some positional isomers. The CRF fragments correspond to cleavages in the side chain up to fragmentations across the steroid rings with charge retention on the sulfonate group. These CRF fragments, which also are useful for structural identification, are less intense in CID than in FAB spectra. It appears that these charge-remote fragments are favored by unsaturation in the steroid rings, either as keto groups or as endocyclic double bonds. Tandem mass spectrometry combined with the use of deuterated analogs demonstrates that the structures of the survivor pseudomolecular ions and of the CRF fragments are not rearranged.     

Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CLVIII electron impact promoted fragmentation of triphenylmethyl ethers

The triphenylmethyl (trityl) moiety is frequently used for the protection of alcohols but the mass spectra of such trityl ethers have hitherto escaped scrutiny. It has now been found that triphenylmethyl derivatives of primary alcohols yield abundant molecular ions which permit the determination of the isotopic purity of the parent alcohol. Upon electron impact the triphenyl-methyl entity directs the fragmentation of trityl ethers as demonstrated by a detailed study of n-pentyl trityl ether and its deuterated analogs. Ions formed by migration of phenyl groups were observed in the mass spectra of the trityl ethers investigated as well as in the spectrum of triphenyl-methane itself.     

Electron-impact induced fragmentation of 2-substituted 2H-cyclopenta[D]pyridazines

The mass spectra of the non-benzenoid aromatic heterocycles 2H- and 2-methyl-2H-cyclopenta[d]pyridazine and several deuterated analogs have been analyzed. The majority of the nitrogen lost from these heterocycles occurs as HCN OR H₂CN. The deuterium labeling suggests a rearrangement of the molecular ion prior to fragmentation.     

New procedure for selective extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in plants for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis

A new solid-phase extraction method for the clean-up and the quantitation by GC-MS of regulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from lettuce was developed and the experimental conditions were optimized. After ultrasonic extraction using toluene and saponification of samples, a clean-up of extracts through solid-phase extraction was performed. Samples were finally analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using an internal deuterated standard. Saponification by KOH in methanol-water (80:20) was successful allowing a good elimination of the interfering chlorophylls from the extracts containing the PAHs. The average recovery of the 16 regulated PAHs was 70, 74, 79 and 89%, respectively, for naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene and chrysene and higher than 94% for the others.     

Mass spectrometry of methyltetrazoles

The mass spectra of tetrazole, all isomers of monomethyl- and dimethyltetrazole, several trifluoromethyl substituted tetrazoles, as well as deuterated analogs, were recorded. Loss of N₂ was the important fragmentation of the molecular ions of tetrazole and 2-methyl substituted tetrazoles; however, HN₂ loss was more important for 1-methyl substituted tetrazoles. The 1-methyl-tetrazoles showed molecular ion peaks while the 2-methyltetrazoles exhibited an unprecedented [M + 1] peak with no molecular ion.     

Stereochemical analysis of deuterated alkyl chains by MS/MS

Vicinally deuterated sec-alkyl phenyl ethers, CH(3)(CH(2))(m)()CH(OPh)CHD(CH(2))(n)()CH(3), display significant differences in mass spectra between threo and erythro stereoisomers. MS/MS experiments, in which parent ions of a single mass are selected and their fragmentation patterns subsequently measured, show that alkene expulsion represents virtually the only decomposition pathway. Two types of MS/MS experiment are reported: mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectroscopy of metastable ions and collisionally activated decomposition (CAD) of stable ions. The expulsion of a deuterated alkene from a monodeuterated precursor yields ionized phenol, PhOH(*)()(+) (m/z 94). The expulsion of an undeuterated alkene yields PhOD(*)()(+) (m/z 95). Without exception, the ratios (PhOD(*)()(+)/PhOH(*)()(+)) from precursors in the threo series have values greater than their diastereomers in the erythro series. The ratio of ratios, r = PhOD(*)()(+)/PhOH(*)()(+) for the threo divided by PhOD(*)()(+)/PhOH(*)()(+) for the erythro, has a value of 1.2 for the 2-phenoxy-3-deuteriobutanes and larger values for all of the higher homologues up through the monodeuterated phenoxyoctanes (m + n = 4). The highest degree of stereoselectivity, r = 5.8, is measured for 3-phenoxy-4-deuteriohexane. Experiments with multiply deuterated analogues show that alkene elimination is highly regioselective, unlike the corresponding decompositions of ionized sec-alcohols or their acetates. The fact that a large fraction of ionized sec-alkyl phenyl ethers undergo stereospecific syn-elimination means that mass spectrometry has a useful capacity to distinguish one isotopically labeled diastereomer from another.     

Mass spectrometry of maytansinoids—A study on the fragmentation mechanism and identification of synthetic analogs of maytansine

Natural maytansinoids and their synthetic intermediates ( 1—9 ) were studied by means of mass spectrometry upon electron impact condition. The fragmentation pathway and spectra-structural relationship of these compounds were proposed. Based on the fragmentation pattern, structures of the synthetic analogs were identified.     

High resolution mass spectrometry in molecular studies. Part XVII. Evidence for ring contractions in molecular ions: The fragmentation of N-acetylmorpholine

In comparing N-acetylmorpholine to closely related systems, two major differences in fragmentation are observed. M-15 and M-43 fragments, although quite common to such systems, are unusual with respect to their genesis. Formation of the M-15 fragment by loss of C-3 instead of the anticipitated loss of C-2 or C-8 is evident from shifts in the spectra of deuterated analogs. The M-43 species arises from total loss of the N-acyl substituent rather than the usual two-step loss of ketene plus a ring hydrogen. These data are presented in support of mechanistic rationale involving radical induced ring contraction to a common intermediate molecular ion. Techniques of high resolution mass spectrometry and isotope labeling have been employed to substantiate certain mechanistic details.     

Computer analysis of the cracking patterns of deuterated hydrocarbons

A generalized, statistical model for calculating the mass spectral fragmentation patterns of deuterated hydrocarbons of low molecular weight is presented. Isotopic differences in bond energies and probabilities of the bond breakage of hydrogen and deuterium are included. Only a single fitting parameter is used. This parameter seems to be consistent for similar species of hydrocarbons. Small statistical deviations from observed spectra for deuterated methanes, acetylenes, ethylenes, and ethanes are obtained when this model is used.     

Structure elucidation of phototransformation products of unapproved analogs of the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil in artificial freshwater with UPLC‐Q Exactive‐MS

In this study, four unapproved analogues of Sildenafil (SDF) were photodegraded under synthetic sunlight in artificial freshwater. Homosildenafil (H‐SDF), hydroxyhomo‐sildenafil (HH‐SDF), norneosildenafil (NR‐SDF) and thiosildenafil (T‐SDF) were selected because they are frequently detected as adulterants in natural herbal products. Using UPLC‐Orbitrap (Q Exactive)‐MS, six photoproducts common to H‐SDF, HH‐SDF and T‐SDF and nine unique transformation products of different molecular weights were identified based on their high‐resolution (+)ESI product ion spectra. Mass spectral analysis of deuterated H‐SDF, labeled on the N‐ethyl group, allowed to gain mechanistic insight into the fragmentation pathway of the substituted piperazine ring and to support the postulated photoproduct structures. The mass spectral fragmentation confirmed the stepwise destruction of the piperazine ring eventually producing a sulfonic acid derivative (C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₅S: 392.1151 Da). In contrast, the photodegradation of NR‐SDF, which lacks a piperazine ring in its structure, formed only two prominent photoproducts originating from N,N‐dealkylation of the sulfonamide followed by hydrolysis. The current work constitutes the first study on the photodegradation of analogs of erectile dysfunction drugs and the first detection of two transformation products (m/z 449 and 489) in environmental samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and certification of solutions of perdeuterated polycyclic aromatic compounds intended for use as surrogate internal standards

Two standard solutions of deuterated polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) have been prepared for use as surrogate internal standards. Solution DPAC-1 contains 21 deuterated PACs, and is intended for use with mass spectrometric (MS) detection. Most of the difficulties in certifying concentrations in DPAC-1 arose from the fact that none of the individual compounds was 100% deuterated, so that effects of mass spectrometric fragmentation are convoluted with those of isotopic distributions. The best methods are discussed for using such internal standards so as to minimize these problems, together with those arising from kinetic isotope effects. Solution DPAC-2 contains 6 deuterated PACs, and is primarily intended for use with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD, dual programmed wavelength mode), in which the signals for analyte and internal standard are separated chromatographically rather than via the detector. Full details of the preparation of these solutions are described. In addition, examples of their use in the analysis of a certified coal-tar extract (NIST SRM 1597) are described briefly. In one example a novel HPLC-MS technique was employed, and in the other the HPLC-FLD technique was used.NRCC No. 38030     

Simultaneous analysis of synthetic cannabinoids in the materials seized during drug trafficking using GC-MS

A rapid and simple gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated to identify and quantify synthetic cannabinoids in the materials seized during drug trafficking. Accuracy and reproducibility of the method were improved by using deuterated JWH-018 and JWH-073 as internal standards. Validation results of the GC-MS method showed that it was suitable for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of synthetic cannabinoids, and we analyzed synthetic cannabinoids in seized materials using the validated GC-MS method. As a result of the analysis, ten species of synthetic cannabinoids were identified in dried leaves (n?=?40), bulk powders (n?=?6), and tablets (n?=?14) seized in Korea during 2009–2012, as a single ingredient or as a mixture with other active co-ingredients. JWH-018 and JWH-073 were the most frequently identified compounds in the seized materials. Synthetic cannabinoids in the dried leaves showed broad concentration ranges, which may cause unexpected toxicity to abusers. The bulk powders were considered as raw materials used to prepare legal highs, and they contained single ingredient of JWH-073, JWH-019, or JWH-250 with the purity over 70 %. In contrast, JWH-018 and JWH-073 contents in the tablets were 7.1–13.8 and 3.0–10.2 mg/g, respectively. Relatively low contents in the tablets suggest that the synthetic cannabinoids may have been added to the tablets as supplements to other active co-ingredients.