SPECTRAL PROFILE OF DRUGS AND DRUGS OF ABUSE OBTAINED BY DIFFERENT MASS ANALYZERS (FT-ICR AND LTQ): AN APPROACH TO THE ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION SOURCE

Abstract

Mass spectrometry is a technique that can detect, count, and characterize molecules of different compositions. Among the main components of the spectrometers are the ionization sources and mass analyzers, which have specificities of their respective manufacturers. In this sense, this work sought to analyze the spectral profile, based on analyses of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use, and drugs of abuse, using the same type of ionization source; electrospray ionization (ESI), positive ionization mode, coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) and linear ion trap (LTQ) mass analyzers. Eight standards were analyzed: abamectin (C₄₈H₇₂O₁₄); ceftiofur (C₁₉H₁₇N₅O₇S₃); diclofenac potassium (C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NO₂K); ivermectin (C₄₈H₇₄O₁₄); lincomycin (C₁₈H₃₄N₂O₆S); moxidectin (C₃₇H₅₃NO₈); progesterone (C₂₁H₃₀O₂); estradiol valerate (C₂₃H₃₂O₃); and two drug of abuse samples: cocaine (C₁₇H₂₁NO₄) and blotter paper (containing 25I-NBOMe (C₁₈H₂₂INO₃) and 25C-NBOMe (C₁₈H₂₂ClNO₃)). By the data acquired, in most cases, spectra were observed with signs indicating the formation of adducts, [M + Na]⁺, [M + K]⁺, protonated molecules [M + H]⁺ or even dimmers, [2M+H]⁺, [2M + Na]⁺, and [2M + K]⁺. Thus, although the analysis with the ESI(+)FT-ICR MS equipment presents very high resolution and mass precision, the analysis by the ESI(+)LTQ MS equipment provides a fast and efficient analysis of MS/MS experiments, which contributes to confirming the structure of the detected molecule.