This application note describes a chemical derivatization procedure required to facilitate measurement of steroidal analogs in electron capture negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry and the GC/MS/MS conditions for highly sensitive and selective analysis
This document outlines a specific chemical derivatization procedure required to facilitate the measurement of steroidal analogs, such as estrogens and androgens, in electron capture negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The method involves adding electronegative atoms like fluorine to the analyte structure using reagents such as pentafluorobenzoyl chloride (PFBCI) and pentafluorobenzyl hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA).
The procedure recommends using an anhydrous, polar, aprotic solvent in conjunction with a tertiary amine base.
The sample must be incubated at 60 °C for 30 minutes.
The instrument detection limit for estradiol was determined to be 1.1 pg/mL.