Direct analysis of thiophene-containing compounds In Tagetes (Asteraceae) leaf secretory cavities by tandem mass spectrometry

The direct analysis of thiophene-containing compounds present in the leaf secretory cavities of Tagetes (Asteraceae) was obtained by tandem mass spectrometry (MS—MS). In contrast to the usual extraction and chromatographic procedures, leaf glands were pricked with a column injection syringe and the sample was collected directly in a glass capillary. Direct electron impact mass spectrometric analysis of such secretions led to the identification of sulphur containing ionic species, as determined by both isotopic cluster analysis and accurate mass measurements. The molecular ions were easily identifies by parent ion scans and their further structural characterization was achieved by MS—MS.