Enhancement of chemical derivatization of steroids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2009 Oct 1;877(27):3237-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.08.005. Epub 2009 Aug 7.

Abstract

Steroid derivatization was investigated by varying the experimental parameters (reagent, reaction time, and reaction temperature) to determine the optimal conditions for individual steroids, and for larger subsets. Three methods of derivatization enhancement were also investigated: the use of sonication, the use of a microwave heating, and the addition of solvents to the reaction mixture. On a comprehensive level, derivatization using N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was most efficient, while the application of solvent addition and microwave heating, in several cases, provided a clear enhancement. In addition, generalized rules for steroid derivatization are described.

MeSH terms

  • Acetamides
  • Fluoroacetates
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Microwaves
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Sonication
  • Steroids / chemistry*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid / chemistry
  • Trimethylsilyl Compounds / chemistry

Substances

  • Acetamides
  • Fluoroacetates
  • Solvents
  • Steroids
  • Trimethylsilyl Compounds
  • N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid