Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Ubiquitous Transformation Product (BTS 40348) of Fungicide Prochloraz

Prochloraz is a widely used imidazole fungicide that has to be analyzed together with its metabolites or transformation products for food safety monitoring purposes in the European Union. Although the focus in food of plant origin has been set on metabolites BTS 44595 and BTS 44596, we consider relevant the study of BTS 40348 metabolite, too, because it has been detected in both raw and processed foods based on citrus fruits in the EU. Metabolite BTS 40348 should be monitored in surface water due to its ecotoxicological effects. In this work, the synthesis and structural characterization of BTS 40348 metabolite of fungicide prochloraz is presented, because the structure is closely related to the chemistry and biological activity of the substance. Characterization using ¹³C and ¹H NMR, infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy is detailed, together with confirmation by electrospray mass spectrometry analysis.