Comparison of four derivatizing reagents for 6-acetylmorphine GC-MS analysis.
The propionyl, trimethylsilyl, trifluroacetyl, and heptafluoroacyl derivatives of 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) were evaluated with respect to optimal method performance, derivative stability, and methods characterization for use in gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis with electron ionization mode and selected ion monitoring. The most common potential interferences and compatibility with other derivatives when used on the same GC-MS were determined for the derivatizing reagents. The propionyl, trimethylsilyl, and trifluroacetyl derivatives produced adequate stability, accuracy, and precision for the method. The 6-AM derivatization with commercially available propionic anhydride generated a relatively small amount of 6-AM-propionyl derivative from the free morphine present in a specimen. The trimethylsilyl derivative obtained by the reaction with MSTFA did not require incubation, was the easiest to prepare, and had the highest potential for use on an automated sample-preparation device. An important advantage of derivatization with MSTFA is elimination of the possibility of heroin decomposition to 6-AM that is due to incubation at elevated temperature.
Kushnir
M M
MM
ARUP Laboratories, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA.
Crockett
D K
DK
Nelson
G
G
Urry
F M
FM
D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D003932:Heroin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D009022:Morphine Derivatives / Q000032:analysis*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000032:analysis; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*
D009022:Morphine Derivatives; D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin; C026979:6-O-monoacetylmorphine