Unusual mass spectrometric dissociation pathway of protonated isoquinoline-3-carboxamides due to multiple reversible water adduct formation in the gas phase

Does deprotonated benzoic acid lose carbon monoxide in collision-induced dissociation?

Decarboxylation is known to be the major fragmentation pathway for the deprotonated carboxylic acids in collision-induced dissociation (CID). However, in the CID mass spectrum of deprotonated benzoic acid (m/z 121) recorded on a Q-orbitrap mass spectrometer, the dominant peak was found to be m/z 93 instead of the anticipated m/z 77. Based on theoretical calculations, 18 O-isotope labeling and MS3 experiments, we demonstrated that the fragmentation of benzoate anion begins with decarboxylation, but the initial phenide anion (m/z 77) can react with trace O2 in the mass analyzer to produce phenolate anion (m/z 93) and other oxygen-containing ions. Thus oxygen adducts should be considered when annotating the MS/MS spectra of benzoic acids.

Accurate Mass Identification of an Interfering Water Adduct and Strategies in Development and Validation of an LC-MS/MS Method for Quantification of MPI8, a Potent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitor, in Rat Plasma in Pharmacokinetic Studies

MPI8, a peptidyl aldehyde, is a potent antiviral agent against coronavirus. Due to unique tri-peptide bonds and the formyl functional group, the bioassay of MPI8 in plasma was challenged by a strong interference from water MPI8. Using QTOF LC-MS/MS, we identified MPI8•H2O as the major interference form that co-existed with MPI8 in aqueous and biological media. To avoid the resolution of MPI8 and MPI8•H2O observed on reverse phase columns, we found that a Kinetex hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column provided co-elution of both MPI8 and MPI8•H2O with a good single chromatographic peak and column retention of MPI8 which is suitable for quantification. Thus, a sensitive, specific, and reproducible LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of MPI8 in rat plasma was developed and validated using a triple QUAD LC-MS/MS. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Kinetex HILIC column with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min under gradient elution. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.99) over MPI8 concentrations from 0.5−500 ng/mL. The accuracy and precision are within acceptable guidance levels. The mean matrix effect and recovery were 139% and 73%, respectively. No significant degradation of MPI8 occurred under the experimental conditions. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of MPI8 after administration of MPI8 sulfonate in rats.

Quantum Chemistry-based Molecular Dynamics Simulations as a Tool for the Assignment of ESI-MS/MS Spectra of Drug Molecules

In organic mass spectrometry, fragment ions provide important information on the analyte as a central part of its structure elucidation. With increasing molecular size and possible protonation sites, the potential energy surface (PES) of the analyte can become very complex, which results in a large number of possible fragmentation patterns. Quantum chemical (QC) calculations can help here, enabling the fast calculation of the PES and thus enhancing the mass spectrometry-based structure elucidation processes. In this work, the previously unknown fragmentation pathways of the two drug molecules Nateglinide (45 atoms) and Zopiclone (51 atoms) were investigated using a combination of generic formalisms and calculations conducted with the Quantum Chemical Mass Spectrometry (QCxMS) program. The computations of the de novo fragment spectra were conducted with the semi-empirical GFNn-xTB (n=1, 2) methods and compared against Orbitrap measured electrospray ionization (ESI) spectra in positive ion mode. It was found that the unbiased QC calculations are particularly suitable to predict non-evident fragment ion structures, sometimes contrasting the accepted generic formulation of fragment ion structures from electron migration rules, where the "true" ion fragment structures are approximated. For the first time, all fragment and intermediate structures of these large-sized molecules could be elucidated completely and routinely using this merger of methods, finding new undocumented mechanisms, that are not considered in common rules published so far. Given the importance of ESI for medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and metabolomics, this approach can significantly enhance the mass spectrometry-based structure elucidation processes and contribute to the understanding of previously unknown fragmentation pathways.

Differentiation of Positional Isomers of Halogenated Benzoylindole Synthetic Cannabinoid Derivatives in Serum by Hybrid Quadrupole/Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

Legally regulated synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are continuously being created by making minor positional modifications to pre-existing analogs; thus, compounds with minor structural differences must be isolated and identified accurately. For iodo-benzoylindole derivatives of SCs, only specific isomers are currently the target of legal control, and it is necessary to establish an analytical method for accurately identifying positional isomers. In this study, we synthesized a series of 57 designer drugs and developed a screening method for identifying halogen positional isomers on the phenyl ring of benzoylindole derivative SCs in serum. Analytical methods using the Discovery F5 pentafluorophenyl column gave the best selectivity and retention of the positional isomer analytes. Some of the meta and para iodo-substituted SCs were eluted at similar retention times and were difficult to separate by liquid chromatography (LC). However, they were identified via the relative abundance of the two product ions in the collision-induced dissociation reaction using LC-hybrid quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our synthesized halogen-substituted positional isomer SC library and method for differentiating positional isomers of halogenated benzoylindole SC derivatives could provide an indispensable analysis tool for identifying illegal drugs in serum of drug users.

Metabolic studies of hypoxia-inducible factor stabilisers IOX2, IOX3 and IOX4 (in vitro) for doping control

The transcriptional activator hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a vital arbitrator in the performance of cellular responses lacking oxygen supply in aerobic organisms. Because these compounds are capable of enhancing the organism's capacity for molecular oxygen transport, they possess great potential for abuse as a performance-enhancing agent in sports. A comprehensive study of the metabolic conversion of the most popular HIF stabilisers such as IOX2, IOX3 and IOX4 using equine liver microsomes (in vitro) is reported. The parents and their metabolites were identified and characterised by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in negative ionisation mode using a QExactive high-resolution mass spectrometer. Under the current experimental condition, a total of 10 metabolites for IOX2 (three phase I and seven phase II), nine metabolites for IOX3 (four phase I and five phase II) and five metabolites for IOX4 (three phase I and two phase II) were detected. The outcome of the present study is as follows: (1) all the three IOX candidates are prone to oxidation, results in subsequent monohydroxylated, and some dihydroxylated metabolites. (2) Besides oxidation, there is a possibility of hydrolysis and de-alkylation, which results in corresponding carboxylic acid and amide, respectively. (3) The glucuronide and sulphate conjugate of the parent drugs as well as the monohydroxylated analogues were observed in this study. The characterised in vitro metabolites can potentially serve as target analytes for doping control analysis.

An intriguing "reversible reaction" in the fragmentation of deprotonated dicamba and benzoic acid in a Q-orbitrap mass spectrometer: Loss and addition of carbon dioxide

RATIONALE

Loss of carbon dioxide is an important characteristic fragmentation reaction of deprotonated benzoic acid and its derivatives in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. However, researchers have rarely noticed or believed that the loss of carbon dioxide in multistage mass spectrometry is a "reversible reaction," that is, the fragment anion generated by carbon dioxide loss can capture another carbon dioxide to regenerate its precursor ion.

METHODS

The fragmentation of the [M - H]^- ions of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) and benzoic acid was performed with an electrospray ionization hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer. The structural confirmation of the precursor ions and their product ions was supported by accurate mass (elemental composition) analysis. Pseudo-MS³ experiments (in-source collision-induced dissociation as MS² ) and isotope labelling experiments were used to confirm the addition of carbon dioxide to the product ions in MS² .

RESULTS

In the fragmentation of deprotonated dicamba (m/z 219), the relative abundance of the precursor ion does not decrease significantly or even increases as the collision energy increases. When the m/z 145 and 175 product ions were isolated in the mass analyzer, the ions 44 m/z units larger (m/z 189 and 219) were generated spontaneously, indicating the formation of carbon dioxide adduct ions. In the fragmentation of deprotonated [carboxyl-¹³ C]-benzoic acid (m/z 122), a deprotonated [carboxyl-¹² C]-benzoic acid ion (m/z 121) was generated which was derived from ¹³ CO₂ loss and ¹² CO₂ addition. The isotope labelling experiment further supports the formation of CO₂ -attached ions in the fragmentation of deprotonated benzoic acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Under collisional activation, deprotonated dicamba and benzoic acids easily undergo carbon dioxide loss, but the decarboxylated product anions have an appropriate nucleophilicity to carbon dioxide and they can capture a background carbon dioxide molecule remaining in the vacuum system to regenerate the precursor ions. This study provides a new and deeper understanding of the gas-phase chemistry of deprotonated benzoic acid derivatives in mass spectrometry.

Characterization of additives in plastics: From MS to MS10 multistep mass analysis and theoretical calculations of tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate

In the analysis by electrospray (+) of an extract of hemp sprouts put in a polypropylene vial, we found a large contamination of a plastic additive. It was characterized by multiple-stage MSⁿ experiments (MS ÷ MS¹⁰ ) and identified as tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, also known with the synonyms F32IRS6B46, oxidized Naugard 524, and others. The MS² ÷ MS⁷ spectra are characterized by consecutive eliminations of six isobutene molecules from the tert-butyl moieties, some of them also occurring in the ion source. The first three are calculated to occur preferentially from the ortho positions, whereas eliminations from the para positions are estimated to be less favored at about 5-6 kcal/mol in each step. Once the first three isobutene molecules are eliminated, the remaining three are lost from the tert-butyl moieties in para positions (MS⁵ ÷ MS⁷ ), yielding protonated triphenylphosphate, whose structure has been confirmed by the MS² spectrum of triphenylphosphate standard: the latter spectrum is almost superimposable with the MS⁸ spectrum of the analyte under investigation. MS⁸ and MS⁹ spectra show main losses of water and C₆ H₄ molecules. The MS¹⁰ spectrum of precursor ions at m/z 215 shows the gas-phase addition of water and methanol and ions at m/z 168, attributable to the loss of a phosphorus oxide radical. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations (Becke 3LYP [B3LYP] 6-311+G(2d,2p)) have been used to evaluate structure and stability of different ionic and neutral species involved in the decomposition pathways and to calculate thermochemical data of the decomposition reactions. This multistep mass analysis combined with theoretical calculations resulted to be particularly useful and effective, yielding chemical, thermochemical, and mechanistic data of significant utility in the structural characterization and identification of the unknown analyte as well as to define its gas-phase reactivity under a multistep low-energy collision-induced dissociation regime.

Formation of Carbon Dioxide Attached Fragment Ions in the Fragmentation of Deprotonated Tolfenpyrad and Tebufenpyrad

The in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) and MS/MS mass spectra of deprotonated tolfenpyrad and tebufenpyrad both showed an unusual fragment ion at m/z 187, but its fragmentation pattern and structure could not be explained by logical neutral losses. Accurate mass measurement indicated that the mass difference between this fragment ion and the dominant fragment ion at m/z 143 equaled to a carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecule. The isolation of the fragment ion m/z 143 in the mass analyzer could spontaneously give rise to the ion m/z 187. The Gibbs free energy of carbon dioxide addition to deprotonated pyrazole ion was significantly negative from the computational results. According to these results, we derived a proposal for the formation and structure of the ion m/z 187, which was an attachment of molecular carbon dioxide to the fragment ion m/z 143 to produce a carboxylate anion. The trace carbon dioxide was speculated to be derived from the residual atmosphere or collision gas in the instrument. This study is valuable for the qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of pesticides containing the pyrazole functional group.

Gas-Phase Chemistry in the GC Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

Gas-phase reactions of temporally stored ions play a significant role in trapped ion mass spectrometry. Especially highly labile ion species generated through electron ionization (EI) are prone to undergo gas-phase reactions after relaxation to a low vibrational state. Here, we show that in the C-Trap of the Q Exactive GC Orbitrap mass spectrometer, gaseous water reacts with radical cations of various compound classes. High-resolution accurate mass spectrometry of the resulting ions provides a key to the mechanistic understanding of the chemistry of high energetic species generated during EI. We systematically addressed water adduct formation by use of H₂O and D₂¹⁸O in the C-Trap. Mass spectra of halogen cyanides XCN (X=Cl, Br, I) showed the formation of HXCN⁺ species, indicating hydrogen atomic transfer reactions. Relative ratios of HXCN⁺/XCN^+• increased as the electronegativity of the halide increased. The common internal calibrant perfluorotributylamine forms oxygenated products from water reactive fragment ions. These can be explained by the addition of water to an initial cation followed by elimination of two HF molecules. This addition/elimination chemistry can also explain [M+2]⁺ and [M+3]⁺ ions that commonly occur in mass spectra of silylated analytes. High-resolution accurate mass spectra of trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives revealed these as [M-CH₃^•+H₂O]⁺ and [M-CH₄+H₂O]^•+, respectively. This study explains common fragment ions in ion trap mass spectrometry. It also opens up perspectives for the systematic mechanistic and kinetic investigation of high-energy ion reactivity. Graphical Abstract.

Fortuitous Ion-Molecule Reaction Enables Enumeration of Metal-Hydrogen Bonds Present in Gaseous Ions

Upon mass selection and ion activation under mass spectrometric conditions, gaseous formate adducts of many metal formates undergo decarboxylation and form product ions that bear metal-hydrogen bonds. Fortuitously, we noted that negative-ion spectra of several such formate adducts showed many peaks that could not be rationalized by the conventional fragmentation pathways attributed to the precursor ion. Subsequent experimentation proved that these enigmatic peaks are due to an ion-molecule reaction that takes place between traces of adventitious water vapor in the collision gas and the in situ formed product anions bearing metal-hydrogen bonds, generated by the fragmentation of the formate adducts. Results show that metal-hydrogen bonds of the group 2 elements are particularly susceptible to this reaction. For example, in the product-ion spectrum of [Sr(η²-O₂CH)₃]^-, the peak at m/z 91 for SrH₃ ^- was accompanied by three peaks at higher m/z ratios. These peaks, at m/z 107, 123, and 139, represented SrH₂(OH)₁ ^-, SrH₁(OH)₂ ^-, and Sr(OH)₃ ^-, respectively. These satellite peaks, which were separated by 16 m/z units, were attributed to adducts formed due to the high affinity of gas-phase anions bearing metal-hydrogen bonds to water. Although undesired, these peaks are diagnostically useful to determine the number of metal-hydrogen bonds present in a precursor ion. Even though the peaks were less pronounced, analogous reactions were noted from the adducts of the group 1 elements as well. Moreover, Gibbs free energy values computed for the interaction of [H-Mg(η²-O₂CH)₂]^- with water to form [HO-Mg(η²-OCOH)₂]^- and H₂ indicated that this is an exergonic reaction.

Comparing the fragmentation reactions of protonated cyclic indolyl α-amino esters in quadrupole/orbitrap and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers

RATIONALE

The comparative study of higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) mechanisms for protonated cyclic indolyl α-amino esters in quadrupole/orbitrap (Q/Orbitrap) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometers, respectively, is helpful to study the structures and properties of biologically active indole derivatives using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technology.

METHODS

HCD and CID experiments were carried out using electrospray ionization Q/Orbitrap MS and QTOFMS in positive ion mode, respectively. Only the labile hydrogens were exchanged with deuterium in hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) experiments and only the aromatic indole C-H hydrogens were substituted with deuterium in regiospecific hydrogen-deuterium labeling experiments. Theoretical calculations were carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP level with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set in the Gaussian 03 package of programs.

RESULTS

In Q/Orbitrap MS/MS, when the added proton on the N⁸ position of protonated cyclic indolyl α-amino esters migrated in a stepwise fashion to the C³ position via two sequential 1,4-H shifts, an ion-neutral complex INC₁ of [protonated cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters/indoles] was formed by a charge-directed heterolytic cleavage of the C³ -C¹⁰ bond, while an ion-neutral complex INC₃ of [cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters/protonated indoles] was formed when another labile hydrogen on the N⁸ position successively migrated to the C⁴ position. Direct decomposition of INC₁ and INC₃ resulted in protonated cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters and protonated indoles, respectively, while proton transfer led to protonated indoles and protonated cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters. The HDX reaction with residual water in the HCD cell was also observed. In QTOF-MS/MS, protonated cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters and protonated indoles resulted from direct decomposition of INC₁ and INC₃ , respectively, rather than proton transfer.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the specific construction of the Q/Orbitrap and QTOF mass spectrometers, different fragmentation mechanisms medicated by ion-neutral complexes of protonated cyclic indolyl α-amino esters were proposed. This study is desirable for qualitative and quantitive investigation of indole derivatives using MS/MS technology.

Mass spectrometric studies on selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) using electron ionization and electrospray ionization/collision-induced dissociation

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been identified as a promising class of drug candidates potentially applicable to diverse pathological conditions commonly associated with significantly reduced muscle mass. Due to a suspected and meanwhile repeatedly proven misuse of SARMs in elite and amateur sport, sustaining constantly updated doping control analytical methods is critical for sports drug testing laboratories. These test methods predominantly utilize mass spectrometry-based instrumentations and, consequently, studies on the mass spectrometric behavior of new compounds and, where available, their metabolic products are vital for comprehensive doping controls. In this communication, the dissociation patterns of three new SARM drug candidates referred to as GSK2881078, PF-06260414, and TFM-4 AS-1 as observed under electron ionization as well as electrospray ionization/collision-induced dissociation are discussed. By means of high resolution/high accuracy tandem mass spectrometry employing quadrupole-orbitrap mass analyzers, information on precursor-product ion relationships and elemental compositions was obtained and subsequently utilized to suggest dissociation routes of the target compounds. This information can contribute to future studies concerning structure assignments of metabolites and accelerate the identification of related substances if distributed and/or illicitly used in the world of sport.

Collision-induced dissociation of phenethylamides: role of ion-neutral complexes

RATIONALE

Phenethylamides are a large group of naturally occurring molecules found both in the plant and animal kingdoms. In addition, they are used as intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important dihydro- and tetrahydroisoquinolines. To enable efficient characterization of this class of molecules, a detailed mass spectrometric fragmentation study of a broad series of analogs was carried out.

METHODS

The test compounds were synthesized using standard methods for amide bond formation. Low-energy high-resolution tandem mass spectra were acquired on a hybrid quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometer using positive ion electrospray ionization.

RESULTS

A total of 26 analogs were investigated in the study. Fragmentation of phenethylamides was found to proceed via intermediate ion-neutral complexes. The complexes can break down via multiple pathways including dissociation, proton transfer, Friedel-Crafts acylation, and single electron transfer. The relative contribution of each of these pathways strongly depends on the structure of the coupling amine and acid.

CONCLUSIONS

A general scheme for the fragmentation of phenethylamides was developed. This study further extends the knowledge base of the ion-neutral complex by discovering Friedel-Crafts acylation as a novel reaction. The strong influence of minor structural modifications on the fragmentation patterns highlights the importance of testing many analogs in order to fully predict a fragmentation pattern of a particular class of molecules.

Ion-molecule adduct formation in tandem mass spectrometry

Nowadays most LC-MS methods rely on tandem mass spectrometry not only for quantitation and confirmation of compounds by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), but also for the identification of unknowns from their product ion spectra. However, gas-phase reactions between charged and neutral species inside the mass analyzer can occur, yielding product ions at m/z values higher than that of the precursor ion, or at m/z values difficult to explain by logical losses, which complicate mass spectral interpretation. In this work, the formation of adduct ions in the mass analyzer was studied using several mass spectrometers with different mass analyzers (ion trap, triple quadrupole, and quadrupole-Orbitrap). Heterocyclic amines (AαC, MeAαC, Trp-P-1, and Trp-P-2), photo-initiators (BP and THBP), and pharmaceuticals (phenacetin and levamisole) were selected as model compounds and infused in LCQ Classic, TSQ Quantum Ultra AM, and Q-Exactive Orbitrap (ThermoFisher Scientific) mass spectrometers using electrospray as ionization method. The generation of ion-molecule adducts depended on the compound and also on the instrument employed. Adducts with neutral organic solvents (methanol and acetonitrile) were only observed in the ion trap instrument (LCQ Classic), because of the ionization source on-axis configuration and the lack of gas-phase barriers, which allowed inertial entrance of the neutrals into the analyzer. Adduct formation (only with water) in the triple quadrupole instruments was less abundant than in the ion trap and quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometers, because of the lower residence time of the reactive product ions in the mass analyzer. The moisture level of the CID and/or damper gas had a great effect in beam-like mass analyzers such as triple quadrupole, but not in trap-like mass analyzers, probably because of the long residence time that allowed adduct formation even with very low concentrations of water inside the mass spectrometer.

Liquid chromatography coupled to different atmospheric pressure ionization sources-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and post-column addition of metal salt solutions as a powerful tool for the metabolic profiling of Fusarium oxysporum

Fusarium oxysporum L11 is a non-pathogenic soil-borne fungal strain that yielded an extract that showed antifungal activity against phytopathogens. In this study, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to different atmospheric pressure ionization sources-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (API-QTOF-MS) was applied for the comprehensive profiling of the metabolites from the extract. The employed sources were electrospray (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). Post-column addition of metal solutions of Ca, Cu and Zn(II) was also tested using ESI. A total of 137 compounds were identified or tentatively identified by matching their accurate mass signals, suggested molecular formulae and MS/MS analysis with previously reported data. Some compounds were isolated and identified by NMR. The extract was rich in cyclic peptides like cyclosporins, diketopiperazines and sansalvamides, most of which were new, and are reported here for the first time. The use of post-column addition of metals resulted in a useful strategy for the discrimination of compound classes since specific adducts were observed for the different compound families. This technique also allowed the screening for compounds with metal binding properties. Thus, the applied methodology is a useful choice for the metabolic profiling of extracts and also for the selection of metabolites with potential biological activities related to interactions with metal ions.

Loss of atomic nitrogen from even-electron ions? A study on benzodiazepines

The fragment spectra of protonated nitro-substituted benzodiazepines show an unusual fragment [M + H - 14]⁺ , which is shown by accurate mass measurement to be due to the loss of a nitrogen atom. Our investigations show that this apparent loss of atomic nitrogen is rather an attachment of molecular oxygen to the [M + H - NO₂ ]^+• ion, which is the main fragment ion in these spectra. The oxygen attachment is exothermic, and rate constants have been derived. MSⁿ spectra show that it is not easily reversible upon fragmentation of the adduct ion and that it is also observed with some secondary and tertiary fragments, which allows to limit the attachment site to the aromatic ring annulated to the diazepine moiety. Fragments of the oxygen adduct ion indicate that the O₂ molecule dissociates in the adduct formation process, and the two oxygen atoms are bound to different sites of the ion. Comparison with radical cations generated by fragmentation of non-nitro-substituted benzodiazepines, none of which showed an oxygen attachment, and the fragmentation mechanisms involved in their formation indicates that the [M + H - NO₂ ]^+• ion is a distonic ion with the charge and radical site neighbored on the aromatic ring. From these results, we derive a proposal for the formation and structure of the [M + H - NO₂  + O₂ ]^+• ion, which explains the experimental observations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of Wax Esters by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Double Bond Effect and Unusual Product Ions

A series of different types of wax esters (represented by RCOOR') were systematically studied by using electrospray ionization (ESI) collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) along with pseudo MS(3) (in-source dissociation combined with MS/MS) on a quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectra patterns resulting from dissociation of ammonium/proton adducts of these wax esters were influenced by the wax ester type and the collision energy applied. The product ions [RCOOH2](+), [RCO](+) and [RCO-H2O](+) that have been reported previously were detected; however, different primary product ions were demonstrated for the three wax ester types including: (1) [RCOOH2](+) for saturated wax esters, (2) [RCOOH2](+), [RCO](+) and [RCO-H2O](+) for unsaturated wax esters containing only one double bond in the fatty acid moiety or with one additional double bond in the fatty alcohol moiety, and (3) [RCOOH2](+) and [RCO](+) for unsaturated wax esters containing a double bond in the fatty alcohol moiety alone. Other fragments included [R'](+) and several series of product ions for all types of wax esters. Interestingly, unusual product ions were detected, such as neutral molecule (including water, methanol and ammonia) adducts of [RCOOH2](+) ions for all types of wax esters and [R'-2H](+) ions for unsaturated fatty acyl-containing wax esters. The patterns of tandem mass spectra for different types of wax esters will inform future identification and quantification approaches of wax esters in biological samples as supported by a preliminary study of quantification of isomeric wax esters in human meibomian gland secretions.

LC-HRMS suspect screening for detection-based prioritization of iodinated contrast media photodegradates in surface waters

The objective of the study was to demonstrate the applicability of suspect screening for the detection of six iodinated contrast media (ICM) and their phototransformation products (TPs) in surface waters. First, a photodegradation study of ICM in surface water using a sunlight lab-scale simulator was performed. By means of a guided differential sample analysis, the exact masses of the molecular ions and the retention times of TPs were identified. Positive findings were filtered manually generating a suspect list of 108 photoproducts. Following a generic solid-phase extraction of surface water samples, LC-HRMS was used to screen for the presence of the compounds previously detected in the photodegradation samples. On the basis of detection frequencies (>50% of the samples), 11 TPs were prioritized and their structures elucidated by HRMS and NMR. In the real surface water samples, median concentration of parent compounds was 110 ng/L reaching up to 6 μg/L for iomeprol, while TPs were found at median concentration of 8 ng/L, reaching up to 0.4 μg/L for iomeprol TP651-B. In summary, the proposed screening approach facilitates the evaluation of the degradation of polar compounds at a real scale with a fast detection of TPs without prior availability of the standards.

A mass spectrometry-based method for differentiation of positional isomers of monosubstituted pyrazine N-oxides using metal ion complexes

A series of 11 pairs of substituted pyrazine N-oxides, differing in the substituent position, were examined using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in order to use spectra to assess the differentiation of positional isomers. For each compound, mass spectra were recorded with three different metal cations, namely calcium (II), copper (II) and aluminum (III), with characterization of the observed peaks. Differentiation between regioisomeric N-oxides has been achieved by comparison of the identity and relative intensities of the peaks originating from the adduct ions formed with the metal ions. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been employed to assist in the interpretation of the results obtained with each metal ion, exploring possible trends according to the nature and position of the substituent in the pyrazine N-oxide.

Mass spectrometric evaluation of mephedrone in vivo human metabolism: identification of phase I and phase II metabolites, including a novel succinyl conjugate

In recent years, many new designer drugs have emerged, including the group of cathinone derivatives. One frequently occurring drug is mephedrone; although mephedrone was originally considered as a "legal high" product, it is currently banned in most Western countries. Despite the banning, abuse of the drug and seizures are continuously reported. Although the metabolism of mephedrone has been studied in rats or in vitro using human liver microsomes, to the best of our knowledge, no dedicated study with human volunteers has been performed for studying the in vivo metabolism of mephedrone in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the actual human metabolism of mephedrone and to compare it with other models. For this purpose, urine samples of two healthy volunteers, who ingested 200 mg mephedrone orally, were taken before administration and 4 hours after substance intake. The discovery and identification of the phase I and phase II metabolites of mephedrone were based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, operating in the so-called MS(E) mode. Six phase I metabolites and four phase II metabolites were identified, four of them not previously reported in the literature. The structure of four of the detected metabolites was confirmed by synthesis of the suggested compounds. Remarkably, a mephedrone metabolite conjugated with succinic acid has been identified and confirmed by synthesis. According to the reviewed literature, this is the first time that this type of conjugate is reported for human metabolism.

Fragmentation studies of SIRT1-activating drugs and their detection in human plasma for doping control purposes

RATIONALE

The efficiency of Sirtuin1, a major target for the treatment of various metabolic disorders such as inflammation and type 2 diabetes mellitus, can be modulated via low molecular mass SIRT1 activators (e.g. resveratrol, SRT1720, and SRT2104).The administration of such compounds results in increased deacetylation of substrates including p53, FOXO1, and PGC1alpha, potentially leading to an improved physical performance. Consequently, proactive and preventive anti-doping measures are required and an assay dedicated to serum and plasma was desirable.

METHODS

Model substances of emerging SIRT1 drug candidates were obtained and synthesized and their mass spectrometric behavior following positive or negative electrospray ionization and collision-induced dissociation was elucidated using low and high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry. Subsequently, a screening and confirmation procedure necessitating 100 μL of plasma was established employing liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) based on diagnostic ion transitions recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Sample preparation consisted of the addition of two deuterated internal standards (D(8)-SRT1720 and D(4)-resveratrol) to the plasma specimen and subsequent protein precipitation.

RESULTS

Characteristic product ions indicative of the core structures of the model analytes were characterized and utilized for the development of a multi-analyte LC/MS/MS detection method applicable to sports drug testing programs. The doping control assay was validated with regard to specificity, limits of detection (0.1-1 ng/mL), recoveries (90-98%), intraday and interday precisions (2-18%), and ion suppression/enhancement effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The fragmentation pathways of SRT1720 and 4 SIRT1 activator models based on a common thiazole-imidazole nucleus as well as two different complementary activators (SIRT1 activator 3 and CAY10602), comprising a quinoxaline core, were studied. The resulting information was used to establish and validate a sports drug testing methodology relevant for an efficient and timely anti-doping procedure, targeting a new class of emerging therapeutics possessing significant potential for misuse in elite and amateur sport.

Deviant mass shift of hydrated product ions from sodiated beta-anilinodidrochalcones using an ion-trap mass spectrometer

The fragmentation reactions of sodiated beta-anilinodidrochalcones have been investigated by electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)). The fragment ion of sodiated N-benzylidenebenzenamine (P1) easily undergoes ion-molecule reactions with the residual ESI solvent molecules (H2O and CH3OH) in the vacuum system, as verified by MS3 and accurate MS analysis. The formed hydrated ions appear as an unusual leading peak in the profile spectrum, which results in a deviant decreasing mass shift of almost 1 Da. Density functional theory calculations indicate that P1 easily associates with H2O without any energy barrier. Thus, the hydrated P1 exists partially as a loose system of P1 and H2O, which provides a reasonable explanation for the decreasing mass shift of the solvated P1. The above results are important in obtaining structural information from MS(n) spectra and preventing erroneous data interpretation for the analogous adducts.

Hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers and other small-molecule erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in current and preventive doping analysis

Increasing the blood's capacity for oxygen transport by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) constitutes a prohibited procedure of performance enhancement according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The advent of orally bio-available small-molecule ESAs such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizers in the development of novel anti-anaemia therapies expands the list of potential ESA doping techniques. Here, the erythropoiesis-stimulating properties and doping relevance of experimental HIF-stabilizers, such as cobaltous chloride, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid or GSK360A, amongst others, are discussed. The stage of clinical trials is reviewed for the anti-anaemia drug candidates FG-2216, FG-4592, GSK1278863, AKB-6548, and BAY85-3934. Currently available methods and strategies for the determination of selected HIF stabilizers in sports drug testing are based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). For the support of further analytical assay development, patents claiming distinct compounds for the use in HIF-mediated therapies are evaluated and exemplary molecular structures of HIF stabilizers presented. Moreover, data concerning the erythropoiesis-enhancing effects of the GATA inhibitors K7174 and K11706 as well as the lipidic small-molecule ESA PBI-1402 are elucidated the context of doping analysis.

Selective stabilization of HIF-1α in renal tubular cells by 2-oxoglutarate analogues

The role of proximal versus distal tubular injury in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is debatable. Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylases that regulate the degradation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) is a promising therapeutic approach to optimize energy preservation under hypoxia and has successfully been applied to protect kidney structure and function in AKI models. Presently used prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors are lipophilic 2-oxoglutarate analogues (2OGAs) that are widely taken up in cells of most organs. Given the selective expression of organic anion transporters (OATs) in renal proximal tubular cells, we hypothesized that hydrophilic 2OGAs can specifically target proximal tubular cells. We found that cellular hydrophilic 2OGAs uptake depended on OATs and largely confined to the kidney, where it resulted in activation of HIF target genes only in proximal tubular cells. When applied in ischemia-reperfusion experiments, systemically active 2OGA preserved kidney structure and function, but OAT1-transported 2OGA was not protective, suggesting that HIF stabilization in distal tubular rather than proximal tubular cells and/or nontubular cells mediates protective effects. This study provides proof of concept for selective drug targeting of proximal tubular cells on the basis of specific transporters, gives insights into the role of different nephron segments in AKI pathophysiology, and may offer options for long-term HIF stabilization in proximal tubules without confounding effects of erythropoietin induction in peritubular cells and unwarranted extrarenal effects.

Structure characterisation of urinary metabolites of the cannabimimetic JWH-018 using chemically synthesised reference material for the support of LC-MS/MS-based drug testing

As recently reported, the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 is the subject of extensive phase I and II metabolic reactions in vivo. Since these studies were based on LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS identification and characterisation of analytes, the explicit structural assignment of the metabolites was only of preliminary nature, if possible at all. Here, we report the chemical synthesis of five potential in vivo metabolites of JWH-018 derivatives featuring an alkylcarboxy (M1), a terminal alkylhydroxy (M2), a 5-indolehydroxy (M3), an N-dealkylated 5-indolehydroxy (M4) and a 2'-naphthylhydroxy (5) analogue, respectively, and their characterisation by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) patterns of the protonated compounds were studied by high-resolution/high-accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (MS( n )) applying an LTQ Orbitrap with direct infusion and electrospray ionisation of target analytes. An unusual dissociation behaviour including a reversible ion-molecule reaction between a naphthalene cation (m/z 127) and water in the gas phase of the MS was shown to be responsible for nominal neutral losses of 10 u in the course of the CID pathway. LC-MS/MS-supported comparison of synthesised reference standards with an authentic urine sample using an API 4000 QTrap mass spectrometer identified the synthetic JWH-018 analogues M1-M4 as true in vivo metabolites, presuming a chromatographic separation of potentially present regioisomeric analogues. Existing doping control methods were expanded and validated according to international guidelines in order to allow for the detection of the carboxy and the alkylhydroxy metabolites, respectively, as urinary markers for the illegal intake of the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018. Both metabolites were quantified in authentic doping control urine samples that had been suspicious of JWH-018 abuse after routine screening procedures, and a stable isotope-labelled (13)C(8)-(15)N-carboxy metabolite was synthesised for future analytical applications.

Separation of different ion structures in atmospheric pressure photoionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (APPI-IMS-MS)

This study demonstrates how positive ion atmospheric pressure photoionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (APPI-IMS-MS) can be used to produce different ionic forms of an analyte and how these can be separated. When hexane:toluene (9:1) is used as a solvent, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine (2,6-DtBPyr) and 2,6-di-tert-4-methylpyridine (2,6-DtB-4-MPyr) efficiently produce radical cations [M](+*) and protonated [M + H](+) molecules, whereas, when the sample solvent is hexane, protonated molecules are mainly formed. Interestingly, radical cations drift slower in the drift tube than the protonated molecules. It was observed that an oxygen adduct ion, [M + O(2)](+*), which was clearly seen in the mass spectra for hexane:toluene (9:1) solutions, shares the same mobility with radical cations, [M](+*). Therefore, the observed mobility order is most likely explained by oxygen adduct formation, i.e., the radical cation forming a heavier adduct. For pyridine and 2-tert-butylpyridine, only protonated molecules could be efficiently formed in the conditions used. For 1- and 2-naphthol it was observed that in hexane the protonated molecule typically had a higher intensity than the radical cation, whereas in hexane:toluene (9:1) the radical cation [M](+*) typically had a higher intensity than the protonated molecule [M + H](+). Interestingly, the latter drifts slower than the radical cation [M](+*), which is the opposite of the drift pattern seen for 2,6-DtBPyr and 2,6-DtB-4-MPyr.

Evidence for site-specific intra-ionic hydrogen/deuterium exchange in the low-energy collision-induced dissociation product ion spectra of protonated small molecules generated by electrospray ionisation

The experimental investigation of site-specific intra-ionic hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange in the low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) product ion spectra of protonated small molecules generated by electrospray ionisation (ESI) is presented. The observation of intra-ionic H/D exchange in such ions under low-energy CID conditions has hitherto been rarely reported. The data suggest that the intra-ionic H/D exchange takes place in a site-specific manner between the ionising deuteron, localised at either a tertiary amine or a tertiary amine-N-oxide, and a gamma-hydrogen relative to the nitrogen atom. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements showed that no H/D exchange takes place in solution, indicating that the reaction occurs in the gas phase. The compounds analysed in this study suggested that electron-withdrawing groups bonded to the carbon atom bearing the gamma-hydrogen can preclude exchange. The effect of the electron-withdrawing group appears dependent upon its electronegativity, with lower chi value groups still allowing exchange to take place. However, the limited dataset available in this study prevented robust conclusions being drawn regarding the effect of the electron-withdrawing group. The observation of site-specific intra-ionic H/D exchange has application in the area of structural elucidation, where it could be used to introduce an isotopic label into the carbon skeleton of a molecule containing specific structural features. This could increase the throughput, and minimise the cost, of such studies due to the obviation of the need to produce a deuterium-labelled analogue by synthetic means.