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Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry01:12

Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry

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Higher molecular weight biomolecules are nonvolatile compounds that may decompose before ionizing or vaporizing during mass analysis with conventional electron impact ionization methods. Accordingly, electrospray ionization (ESI) is the favored method for vaporizing and ionizing biomolecules as it circumvents rapid fragmentation and enables the recording of mass signals for the entire biomolecule.
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An unknown compound can be established by identifying the molecular ion peak in the mass spectrum. The molecular ion peak is often weak or absent due to the predominance of fragmentation in high-energy electron beams. In such cases, a low-energy electron beam can be used to scan the spectrum to enhance the intensity of the molecular ion peak. Additionally, chemical ionization, field ionization, and desorption ionization spectra are used to obtain a relatively intense molecular ion peak.
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Mass Spectrometry of Amines01:19

Mass Spectrometry of Amines

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In mass spectroscopy, amines undergo fragmentation to give parent ions with odd molecule weights. This observed mass spectrum follows the nitrogen rule: a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms produces a parent ion with an odd molecular weight. The remaining fragments have an even mass.
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Mass Spectrometry: Amine Fragmentation00:55

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Amines can be identified using mass spectroscopy based on their characteristic fragmentation patterns. The molecular ions of amines undergo fragmentation via ⍺-cleavage. The ⍺-cleavage of the carbon-carbon bonds in amines generates an alkyl radical and resonance-stabilized nitrogen-containing cation.
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Tandem mass spectrometry is a technique that uses multiple mass analyzers in series to obtain a higher selectivity and signal-to-noise ratio for the analyte. Instruments with multiple analyzers separated by an interaction cell enable secondary fragmentation and selected study of the fragment ions.
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Tandem mass spectrometry, also known as MS/MS or MS2, is an analytical technique that employs two mass analyzers. Essentially it is a series of mass spectrometers that helps isolate a particular biomolecule and then helps study its chemical properties.
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Structural Characterization of Nitazene Analogs Using Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS).

Emma K Hardwick1, J Tyler Davidson1

  • 1Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA.

Drug Testing and Analysis
|July 4, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) called nitazene analogs are a growing public health threat. This study characterizes 38 nitazene analogs using LC-ESI-MS/MS, detailing fragmentation patterns to identify new analogs in forensic analysis.

Keywords:
electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (ESI–MS/MS)nitazene analogsnovel synthetic opioids (NSOs)structural characterization

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nitazene analogs are potent novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) with increasing prevalence and public health risks due to their fentanyl-like effects.
  • The emergence of novel analogs complicates identification in forensic laboratories, despite 12 currently being Schedule I controlled substances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive structural characterization of 38 representative nitazene analogs.
  • To propose fragmentation mechanisms for diagnostic ion formation using LC-ESI-MS/MS for analog differentiation.
  • To establish a basis for identifying new structural modifications in emerging nitazene analogs.

Main Methods:

  • Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed for the analysis of 38 nitazene analogs.
  • Structural characterization involved detailed examination of fragmentation pathways and mechanisms, including inductive cleavages and molecular rearrangements.
  • Diagnostic product ions were identified and correlated with structural features of the nitazene analogs.

Main Results:

  • General fragmentation pathways were proposed for all analyzed nitazene analogs.
  • Common product ions (m/z 100, 72, 44, 107) were identified, primarily derived from amine or benzyl moiety substitutions.
  • Specific substitutions, such as piperidine (m/z 112) and pyrrolidine (m/z 98) rings, yielded distinct diagnostic product ions, enabling differentiation.

Conclusions:

  • LC-ESI-MS/MS provides a robust method for the structural characterization and differentiation of nitazene analogs.
  • Understanding fragmentation behavior is crucial for identifying existing and novel nitazene analogs in forensic toxicology.
  • This research aids forensic laboratories in detecting and identifying emerging NSOs, contributing to public safety.