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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
Analysis of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers using negative ion photoionization mass spectrometry
Alberto S Pereira1, Beatriz Bicalho, Jaime O Ilha
1Galeno Research Unit, Campinas, SP, Brazil. alberto.dossantospereira@ugent.be
Abstract:
The fragmentation of dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonists are compared by electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure photonization (APPI). The results demonstrate that in ESI the preferred ionization process is in positive mode, with the mass spectra of [M+H]+ showing base peak ions probably formed by loss of alcohols from carboxyl groups. Conversely, in APPI, a high intense peak is observed in negative mode due to deprotonated molecule [M-H]- after two serial 1, 2-hydride shifts leading to a rearranged deprotonated molecule [M-H]-. These ions undergo another 1,2-hydride shifts to produce a nitro-phenyl product ion of m/z 122. The APPI is also used to develop a method for the quantitation of dihydropyridines (e.g., nifedipine) in human plasma.
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