Liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric studies on rifamycin antibiotics

The use of a direct liquid introduction type liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric interface to study highly thermally labile rifamycin antibiotics is described. Using negative ionization, abundant molecular ions were observed, and the spectra, also contained structurally significant fragments. Variation of the high-performance liquid chromatographic parameters did not change the spectra, thus making it easy to change chromatographic conditions. In quantitative studies, a surprising correlation was found, indicating that the mass spectrometric signal was proportional to the square of the sample concentration.

Laser-induced vaporization mass spectrometry of rifamycins

The mass spectra of many rifamycins cannot be obtained by electron ionization (EI) owing to their thermal decomposition. When a laser beam is used to vaporize the sample through an optic fibre inserted in a hollow probe which reaches the sample cup, decomposition is minimized and the EI spectra show abundant molecular ions and fragments of structurally high diagnostic value. These ionic species are easily observed owing to the lack of chemical noise often present in soft ionization methods, such as direct liquid chemical ionization and fast atom bombardment.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupling and its application in pharmaceutical research

The advantages and technical problems related to the on-line connection of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are described, with special emphasis on applications in pharmaceutical chemistry. The most important characteristics of various interfaces, such as direct liquid introduction, Magic, continuous flow fast atom bombardment and thermospray, are discussed. Special applications to the study of thermally very labile compounds are considered.