Analysis of Rotenoids by High Temperature High Resolution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A short glass capillary column coated with PS-090 (20% phenyl–80% methylpolysiloxane, of 10 m × 0.30 mm i.d.; with 0.1 μm film thickness) was used to analyze samples from Tephrosia candida; eighteen rotenoids were separated and identified without derivatization by HT-HRGC and HT-HRGC-MS. The mass spectra show the typical fragmentation pattern for rotenoids, with the base peaks either at M⁺, or originating from RDA (Retro Diels-Alder) rearrangements. HT-HRGC and HT-HRGC-MS were shown to be extremely valuable and neglected techniques for structural studies as well as the routine analysis of rotenoids in crude extracts. Possible applications to other classes of aromatic natural products, e.g. flavonoids, are envisaged.