Aqueous extraction followed by derivatization and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis: A unique strategy for trace detection and identification of G-nerve agents in environmental matrices

Identification of G‐nerve agents at picogram levels from complex organic samples containing hydrocarbon interferences by aqueous extraction, followed by derivatization and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis

“…Recently, we demonstrated that the extraction efficiencies of GB, GD, and GF from various environmental matrices with water were similar or reasonably lower compared with their recoveries with other LC compatible organic solvents (ACN, MeOH, and EtOH). Furthermore, water has been suggested to be a superior solvent for derivatization with 2‐DMAMP (1‐minute reaction under ambient temperature) with the highest product signal intensities . Therefore, water was selected and explored for its extraction efficiencies of the G‐nerve agents from n ‐hexane and MTBE.…”

“…V‐type nerve agents exhibit better sensitivity by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS in comparison to the G‐type nerve agents due to their higher proton affinity and, as a consequence, exhibit lower limits of detection (LODs) in LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. Recently, we reported a highly sensitive method for trace determination of G‐nerve agents in water and environmental matrices by derivatizing these agents with 2‐[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenol (2‐DMAMP) prior to LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. This LC–MS‐based method enables sensitivity enhancement by several orders of magnitude compared with conventional GC‐EI‐MS analysis.…”

“…D'Agostino et al reported the development of MS methods for the identification of CWAs at nanogram levels in dichloromethane extracts of spiked diesel exhaust environmental samples using GC‐chemical ionization (CI) MS 16 and the use of GC–MS/MS to eliminate chemical interferences . Several laboratories are working in this area to develop extraction and detection methods for the trace level identification of G‐nerve agents from various environmental matrices collected in the battlefield …”

A novel approach for the detection and identification of sulfur mustard using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry based on its selective oxidation to sulfur mustard monoxide with N‐iodosuccinimide

“…A simple derivatization reaction for the detection and identification of G-nerve agents (GB, GD, GF, and GA) by LC-ESI-MS/MS or by direct ESI-MS/MS was previously developed. [24][25][26][27][28][29] Hence, we were highly motivated to develop a chemical derivatization reaction for the detection and identification of HD by LC-ESI-MS/MS.…”

“…HD is hardly soluble in water, and when dissolved, it dissociates rapidly and is not well ionized by ESI; therefore, its direct analysis by LC‐MS is challenging. A simple derivatization reaction for the detection and identification of G‐nerve agents (GB, GD, GF, and GA) by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS or by direct ESI‐MS/MS was previously developed 24–29 . Hence, we were highly motivated to develop a chemical derivatization reaction for the detection and identification of HD by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS.…”