System for the identification of novel prostaglandins

A system for structural analysis based on thin-layer and gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric data is presented. It permits the rapid and unequivocal identification of structurally closely related prostaglandins and their products containing microbiologically introduced hydroxyl groups at positions C-16, -17, -18, -19, and -20. Novel criteria are described by which distinctions can be made between stereoisomers.