Investigation of unknown related substances in commercial erythromycin samples with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.
A selective reversed phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS(n)) method is described for the identification of erythromycin impurities and related substances in commercial erythromycin samples. Mass spectral data are acquired on a LCQ ion trap mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray interface operated in positive ion mode. The LCQ is ideally suited for identification of impurities and related substances because it provides on-line LC/MS(n) capability. Compared with UV detection, this hyphenated LC/MS(n) technique provides as a main advantage efficient identification of novel substances without time-consuming isolation and purification procedures. Using this method four novel related substances were identified in commercial samples.
Govaerts
C
C
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculteit Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Laboratorium voor Farmaceutische Chemie en Analyse van Geneesmiddelen, E. Van Evenstraat 4, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Chepkwony
H K
HK
Schepdael
A V
AV
Roets
E
E
Hoogmartens
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000592:standards; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004340:Drug Contamination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012015:Reference Standards; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin