Ghafari, Nathan et Sleno, Lekha
(2026).
« High-resolution MS/MS characterization of steroid fragmentation profiles for structural
elucidation ».
Canadian Journal of Chemistry, ASAP.
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Résumé
The analysis of steroids by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is
associated with several analytical challenges, including difficulty in confirming their structures in
complex samples, due to structural similarities. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) is commonly
employed but many aspects of the fragmentation behavior of steroids remain unexplored. In this
study, we report the systematic high-resolution MS/MS characterization of 33 endogenous
steroid standards analyzed using a microLC-HRMS/MS workflow on a quadrupole-time-of-flight
platform in positive mode, while varying collision energies, for their native forms and Girard P
(GP) derivatives. For underivatized steroids, intermediate collision energies produced the most
interpretable spectra, enabling the identification of many class-specific diagnostic ions. The
multiple collision energies tested revealed strong dependence of both precursor persistence and
diagnostic fragment presence related to structural features present in the steroids. Girard P
derivatization increased signal intensities and altered their chromatographic retention, with the
signal enhancement depending on the presence of specific structural features. Higher collision
energies applied to GP-derivatized steroids revealed diagnostic fragments, useful for structural
characterization. Fragmentation patterns and collision energy-dependent profiles provide
increased confidence for steroid structural classification and isomer discrimination.