title: Mass spectrometric identification and confirmation of 16-methylprednisone acetate in Mexican pills.
abstract: The identification and confirmation of an unusual corticosteroid, 16-methylprednisone acetate, in Mexican pills is described. Identification is based on molecular structure illucidation from the electron impact fragmentation pattern. Characteristic m/e peaks at 121 (base peak), 241, 256 and 414 (molecular ion) are observed. Fragmentation pathways leading to these ions are presented. Confirmatory studies, employing NMR are also presented.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008800:Mexico; D011241:Prednisone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D011241:Prednisone