title: Identification of carotenoids using mass spectrometry.
abstract: The present review compiles positive MS fragmentation data of selected carotenoids obtained using various ionization techniques and matrices. In addition, new experimental data from the analysis of carotenoids in transgenic maize and rice callus are provided. Several carotenes and oxygen-functionalized carotenoids containing epoxy, hydroxyl, and ketone groups were ionized by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in positive ion mode. Thus, on the basis of the information obtained from the literature and our own experiments, we identified characteristic carotenoid ions that can be associated to functional groups in the structures of these compounds. In addition, pigments with a very similar structure were differentiated through comparison of the intensities of their fragments. The data provide a basis for the structural elucidation of carotenoids by mass spectrometry (MS).
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, ETSEA, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: Sol M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Christou
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Canela-Garayoa
mesh_terms: D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000737:chemistry*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D007477:Ions / Q000737:chemistry; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D012275:Oryza / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D007477:Ions; D002338:Carotenoids
keywords: carotenoids; fragmentation; mass spectrometry (MS); tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)