Multistage electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses of sulfur-containing iridoid glucosides in Paederia scandens

Paederia scandens is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that possesses important bioactive sulfur-containing iridoid glucosides. This study reports the investigation of the fragmentation behavior of four sulfur-containing iridoid glucosides isolated from P. scandens by ion trap electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). Both multistage electrospray ionization (ESI-MSn) experiments in an ion trap instrument and high-resolution and accurate mass measurement in an ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometer in positive mode were used to elucidate the main fragmentation pathways of these compounds. These experiments yielded essentially the same product ions in both ion trap and Q-TOF instruments, and their fragmentation patterns were found useful for their characterization, which were applied to elucidate a trace compound in the extracts of P. scandens by on-line LC/ESI-MSn. Major and diagnostic product ions have been identified and their origins are proposed.     

A study of the electrospray ionisation and ion trap fragmentation of hemiterpenoid and dimeric coumarin derivatives

The electrospray ionisation (ESI) of selected hemiterpenoid and dimeric coumarin derivatives and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion trap mass spectrometer are reported and discussed. Sequential product ion fragmentation experiments (MS(n)) were performed in order to elucidate the degradation pathways for these compounds. The results illustrate that the observed characteristic fragmentation patterns are of considerable utility in the application of ESI mass spectrometry to the characterisation of this class of compounds.     

A study of the electrospray ionisation of selected coumarin derivatives and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion trap mass spectrometer

The electrospray ionisation (ESI) of selected coumarin derivatives and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion trap mass spectrometer have been investigated. Sequential product ion fragmentation experiments (MS(n)) were performed in order to elucidate the degradation pathways for these compounds. A comparison was also made between these ESI spectra and those obtained under electron impact (EI) conditions. The data presented in this paper provides useful information on the effect of different substituents on the ionisation/fragmentation processes and can be used in the characterisation of these compounds.     

Analysis of curcuminoids by positive and negative electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry

The curcuminoids are a group of diarylheptanoid molecules that possess important pharmacological activities, particularly acting as anti-inflammatory agents. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the fragmentation behavior of the three major curcuminoids in ion trap liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Both positive and negative mode electrospray ionization in tandem and multidimensional MS(n) experiments in quadrupole ion trap instruments and high-resolution and accurate mass MS and sustained off-resonance irradiation (SORI) MS/MS experiments in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer were used to elucidate the main fragmentation channels of these compounds. These experiments yielded essentially the same fragmentation results in both ion trap and ICR instruments for all three curcuminoids and for their phenolic monoacetates. Major and diagnostic fragment ions were identified and their origins are proposed.     

Collision-induced fragmentation pathways including odd-electron ion formation from desorption electrospray ionisation generated protonated and deprotonated drugs derived from tandem accurate mass spectrometry

The rapid desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) of some small molecules and their fragmentation using a triple-quadrupole and a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-ToF) have been investigated. Various scanning modes have been employed using the triple-quadrupole instrument to elucidate fragmentation pathways for the product ions observed in the collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra. Together with accurate mass tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) measurements performed on the hybrid Q-ToF mass spectrometer, unequivocal product ion identification and fragmentation pathways were determined for deprotonated metoclopramide and protonated aspirin, caffeine and nicotine. Ion structures and fragmentation pathway mechanisms have been proposed and compared with previously published data. The necessity for elevated resolution for the differentiation of isobaric ions are discussed.     

Liquid chromatography ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometric study on the fragmentation of an acetildenafil analogue

Liquid chromatography ion-trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed to elucidate the fragmentation pathways of an analogue of acetildenafil. Based on the accurate masses of the parent ion, product ions and neutral losses of acetildenafil analogue, its fragmentation pathways were proposed. The information is useful for the on-line structural identification of unknown analogues of acetildenafil found as adulterants in herbal products.     

The mass spectrometric behaviour of benzohydroxaraic and benzothiohydroxamic acids under electron impact

Primary fragmentation reactions in benzohydroxamic and benzothiohydroxamic acids have been studied and compared with those in benzamides and benzothioamides. Mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectra, collisional activation spectra and spectral data from labelled compounds were used to elucidate fragment ion structures and reaction mechanisms. The mass spectra are shown to be dependent on ion source temperature. Losses of O and H₂O are proved to be thermal in origin. The formation of an S… HO bond, which is analogous to an intramolecular hydrogen bond in solution chemistry, directs many fragmentation pathways. This seems to be the major factor determining the differences between the mass spectra of benzothiohydroxamic acids and those of the corresponding carbonyl compounds.     

Studies in organic mass spectrometry-XIII: Investigation of electron-induced isomerisation of αβ- and βγ-unsaturated esters

The mass spectral fragmentation of methyl esters of α,β- and β,γ-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been studied. Deuterium labelling, metastable ion analysis and high resolution mass spectrometry have been utilised to elucidate the mechanism of a number of fragmentations and to check possible double bond migration prior to fragmentation. Some breakdown modes were found to occur through double bond migration. Additional support was provided by application of the ‘Metastable Ion Characteristics’ method. Partial isomerisation of molecular ions must therefore be accepted.     

Electron impact mass spectral interpretation for some thiophosphoryl-p-acetylaminobenzenesulfonamides

This work discusses the synthesis and the fragmentation patterns for 2-(p-acetylaminosulfonamido)-2-thiono-(5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane)(1) and for the p-acetylaminosulfonylamides of O,O-diethylthiophosphoric acid (2), O,O-diphenylthiophosphoric acid (3), dimethylaminocyclohexylthiophosphoric acid (4), and diethylaminophenylthiophosphoric acid (5). A thionamidic-thiolimidic structure was attributed to compounds 1-5, consistent with their IR and NMR spectra. EI mass spectra at 70 eV, high resolution (HR) mass measurements and metastable ion spectra were used to elucidate the fragmentation processes and to determine the kinetic energy release values associated with the metastable ion dissociations. HR accurate mass measurements were used to confirm the compositions of the more abundant ions.     

A study of the electrospray ionisation of pharmacologically significant 1,4-benzodiazepines and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion-trap mass spectrometer

The electrospray ionisation (ESI) of sixteen pharmacologically significant 1,4-benzodiazepines and their subsequent fragmentation using an ion-trap mass spectrometer have been investigated. Sequential product ion fragmentation experiments (MSn) were performed in order to elucidate the degradation pathways for these compounds. Comparisons were also made between these ESI spectra and those obtained under electron impact (EI) conditions. The data presented in this paper provide useful information on the effect of different substituents on the ionisation/fragmentation processes and can be used in the characterisation of this important class of drugs and their metabolites.     

Fragmentation pathways of selectively labeled uropranolol using electrospray ionization on an ion trap mass spectrometer and comparison with ions formed by electron impact

Propranolol, deuterium- and 18O-labeled propranolol and related compounds were analyzed using an ion trap mass spectrometer equipped with a modified Finnigan API electrospray interface. Sequential product ion (MSn) experiments were used to elucidate fragmentation pathways for these compounds. The observed ions were compared to those observed under electron impact (EI) conditions. The electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap spectra, as well as the EI spectra, afford useful information to allow assignments of most product ions, many of which retain portions of the aliphatic three-carbon side chain.     

Mass spectral characterization of phloroglucinol derivatives hyperforin and adhyperforin

Active phloroglucinol constituents of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) extracts, hyperforin and adhyperforin, have been studied following ion activation using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and complemented by accurate mass measurements. These two compounds were readily analyzed as protonated and deprotonated molecules with electrospray ionization. MS/MS and MS3 data from a quadrupole-linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometer were employed to elucidate fragmentation pathways. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance measurements afforded excellent mass accuracies for the confirmation of elemental formulae of product ions formed via infrared multiphoton dissociation and sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation. Fragmentation schemes have been devised for the dissociation of hyperforin and adhyperforin in negative and positive ion modes. This information is expected to be especially valuable for the characterization of related compounds, such as degradation products, metabolites and novel synthetic analogs of hyperforin.     

Determination of the collisionally activated dissociation of a substituted indole by orthogonal acceleration quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The use of orthogonal acceleration quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry to determine the collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of a test compound 1-(3-[5-[1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-1H-indol-3-yl]propyl)-4-(2-[3-fluorophenyl]ethyl)piperazine is described. At unit-mass resolution the identity of many ions is ambiguous because of the complexity of the resulting product ion spectrum. Using the high resolution capabilities of the Q-TOF instrument, exact masses for each fragment were determined. These data were used to infer molecular formulas for each fragment through software interpretation and, by further applying chemical intuition, the majority of ions were fully assigned. Additionally, by utilizing in-source fragmentation at high cone voltage, analyses of second-generation products allowed derivation of a consistent sequential fragmentation pathway. This study clearly demonstrates the power of Q-TOF mass spectrometry to elucidate complex product ion spectra.     

4种儿茶素类化合物电喷雾质谱裂解规律的研究

利用离子阱飞行时间质谱仪的高质量精度、高分辨率及多级测定性能, 对儿茶素类化合物(二组对映异构体)质谱裂解进行研究, 并利用氢/氘交换法对裂解方式进行确证. 发现儿茶素对映异构体间具有相同的质谱裂解途径, 多级质谱无明显区别. 在二级质谱中, 表儿茶素/儿茶素(EC/C)丢失的CO₂发生在A环, 丢失的C₂H₂O发生在B环. ^1,4A^-, ^1,3A^-, ^1,2A^-和[M-H-B环]^-4个碎片离子为EC/C特征离子, 通过这4个离子质量数变化, 推测A环上的取代情况. 因表儿茶素没食子酸酯/儿茶素没食子酸酯(ECG/CG)结构上都含有没食子酸取代基, 在二级质谱中均可见m/z169特征峰, 此离子可用于ECG/CG和EC/C区分.     

Declustering and fragmentation of protein ions from an electrospray ion source

A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a high pressure collision cell has been used to explore the declustering and fragmentation processes that may occur in the vacuum interface region of an electrospray or ionspray ion source. Using apomyoglobin as a model protein compound, collisional processes in Q2 were used to elucidate possible mechanisms which could occur in the orifice-skimmer region to affect the observed charge state distribution. The results indicate that charge loss or gain through collisional loss of a proton or electron does not occur; rather, higher collision energy results in better declustering of lower charge state ions, and fragmentation of higher charge state ions. The net result is an apparent shift toward lower charge state as the collision energy in the free jet region is increased. In addition, the data suggest that a mixture of heavily clustered monomers and possibly dimers and multimers are present in the expansion from ion source into vacuum, and it is this mixture which is acted on by the declustering field to produce the observed mass spectrum. The presence of these “superclusters” needs to be considered in any theory of ion desorption and transport processes in the source and interface region.     

Identification of derivatives of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and novolac glycidyl ether in can coatings by liquid chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method combined with fluorescence and multiple mass spectrometric detection in series is presented for the separation and structure elucidation of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and novolac glycidyl ether (NOGE) derivatives. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the positive ion mode and collision induced fragmentation in the ion trap allowed identification of BADGE- and NOGE-related compounds originating from reactions of the glycidyl ethers with bisphenols, solvents, and chain stoppers. Two extracts from food-can coatings were investigated in detail. It was possible to elucidate the structures of many substances and consequently to draw conclusions about the production of the lacquers.     

Instrument dependence of electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation of the gingerols

The gingerols, including [6]-, [8]-, and [10]-gingerols, a series of chemical homologs differentiated by the length of their unbranched alkyl chains, have been identified as major active components in fresh ginger rhizome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of ion trap liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) as an online tool to identify and quantify these compounds in raw or processed ginger rhizome samples. Negative mode electrospray ionization (ESI) was used in MS, MS/MS and MS(n) experiments in quadrupole ion trap instruments from two different manufacturers and in high-resolution and accurate mass MS and MS/MS experiments in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer to elucidate the ionization and fragmentation mechanisms of these compounds in these instruments. Positive mode ESI, which generated many more fragment ions in full scan MS even under gentle ionization conditions, was also used in LC/MS and MS/MS experiments and in direct infusion MS and MS/MS experiments. Consistent and predictable ionization and fragmentation behaviors were observed for all gingerols when analyzed in the same instrument. Instruments from different manufacturers, however, had different ionization mechanisms. The major difference between instruments was their ability to form covalent dimer adducts of the gingerols. Subsequent fragmentation patterns of the precursor ions were essentially identical. These results clearly demonstrate that LC/MS instruments produce data that cannot necessarily be replicated in other laboratories, especially if those laboratories do not have the same instrument model from the same manufacturer. This presents major problems for metabolite target analysis, metabolic profiling and metabolomics investigations, which would benefit from LC/MS mass spectrum libraries as they do from GC/MS mass spectrum libraries, because such libraries may not be valid across platforms.     

Structural elucidation of monoterpene oxidation products by ion trap fragmentation using on-line atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode.

Based on ion trap mass spectrometry, an on-line method is described which provides valuable information on the molecular composition of structurally complex organic aerosols. The investigated aerosols were generated from the gas-phase ozonolysis of various C(10)H(16)-terpenes (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 3-carene, sabinene, limonene), and directly introduced into the ion source of the mass spectrometer. Negative ion chemical ionisation at atmospheric pressure (APCI(-)) enabled the detection of multifunctional carboxylic acid products by combining inherent sensitivity and molecular weight information. Sequential low-energy collision-induced product ion fragmentation experiments (MS(n)) were performed in order to elucidate characteristic decomposition pathways of the compounds. Dicarboxylic acids, oxocarboxylic acids and hydroxyketocarboxylic acid products could be clearly distinguished by multistage on-line MS. Furthermore, sabinonic acid and two C(9)-ether compounds were tentatively identified for the first time by applying on-line APCI(-)-MS(n).     

ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS and APCI-IT-MS/MS analysis of steroid saponins from the rhizomes of Dioscorea panthaica

Using high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry along with an electrospray ionization source (ESI-QqTOF-MS), accurate molecular weights of 13 steroid saponins extracted from the rhizomes of Dioscorea panthaica were acquired and the corresponding molecular formulae obtained. In order to elucidate the fragmentation pathways of steroid saponins in D. panthaica, 10 authentic samples were investigated using ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS. In addition, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry combined with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-IT-MS/MS) was used to analyze the structures of 13 steroid saponins in D. panthaica. Through the analysis of their tandem mass data, diagnostic fragment ions of the spirostanol and furostanol steroid saponins in D. panthaica were detected as m/z 271.2056 and 253.1951. In addition, four pairs of isomers were detected and the possible structures of four unknown steroid saponins in D. panthaica speculated. ESI-TOF and APCI-MS(n) have proved to be effective tools for research on fragmentation mechanism of steroid saponins and the rapid determination of native steroid saponins in extract mixture, thereby avoiding tedious derivation and separation steps.     

Sequence analysis for an unknown peptide by molecular secondary ion mass spectrometry

Positive and negative molecular secondary ion as well as metastable ion mass spectra for various peptides are investigated to clarify their fragmentation regularity. The fragmentation regularity is derived by considering all the possible bond cleavages at the peptide bond or at the adjacent bonds. It is demonstrated that the amino acid sequence for an unknown peptide can be determined by interpreting the positive and negative secondary ion and metastable ion mass spectra using this fragmentation regularity.