Analysis of Testosterone Esters by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The electron ionization (El) and chemical ionization (CI) mass spectra of 12 representative testosterone esters were examined to explore the various analytical options available for identification and confirmation of the esters. Using El, a number of fragment ions indicated the identification of the testosterone moiety, but structural confirmation of the individual esters often required the observance of the molecular ion at very low relative abundance ratios. The acceptable analytical method involved CI/tandem mass spectrometry based on the production of the 2 generic product ions derived from the protonated molecule ion.

Forensic Science

“…The determination of anabolic steroids by MECC, gradient HPLC, and capillary GC has been reported (300). Testosterone esters have been analyzed by tandem MS (301). Surface ionization organic mass spectrometry has been performed on imipramine, desipramine, clomipramine, and lidocaine (302).…”