Comparison of standard addition and conventional isotope dilution mass spectrometry for the quantification of endogenous progesterone in milk

In this study, a standard addition–isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SA-IDMS) method for quantification of endogenous progesterone in milk has been described. The method validation results, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, recovery and uncertainty were fit for the purpose of assigning reference mass fractions to proficiency testing schemes. The developed technique was compared to the isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) method already existing in the laboratory. Analytical results of two milk samples were (1.377 ± 0.048) μg/kg and (4.457 ± 0.155) μg/kg by SA-ID-LC/MS method, while the results were (1.355 ± 0.019) μg/kg and (4.359 ± 0.059) μg/kg by ID-LC/MS, respectively. Since SA-IDMS was an effective quantitative method that overcame matrix effect, similar quantitative results from IDMS and SA-IDMS indicated that the quantification of progesterone in milk was barely influenced by matrix. Both IDMS and SA-IDMS could be used to assign reference mass fractions to progesterone in milk inter-laboratory proficiency testing schemes.     

Aromatic Aza-Claisen Rearrangement of Arylpropargylammonium Salts Generated in situ from Arynes and Tertiary Propargylamines

The charge-accelerated aza-Claisen rearrangement of ammonium salts serves as a key step in the construction of complex nitrogen-containing molecules. However, much less attention has been paid to the aromatic aza-Claisen rearrangement than to the aliphatic one. Herein, we report an unprecedented aromatic aza-Claisen rearrangement of arylpropargylammonium salts, generated in situ from arynes and tertiary propargylamines, delivering structurally diverse 2-propargylanilines in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity. This rearrangement proceeds in the absence of strong bases or transition metals, is compatible with moisture and air, tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, and is amenable to forming 11- to 13-membered heterocycles with a triple bond. The 2-propargylaniline products were treated with aluminum chloride in ethanol to afford multisubstituted indoles in moderate to excellent yields. Finally, a series of deuterium-labeling experiments was performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism.