Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) adduct formation by mobile phase additives: A case study using nitrile functional groups containing selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)

The formation of mass adducts is common during electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). However, the mechanism that leads to adduct formation is poorly understood and difficult to control. Multiplication of mass adducts at once will adversely impact the sensitivity of mass analysis and cause misinterpretation of the level of detection. Prior studies on selective Androgen Receptor modulators (SARMs) revealed an immense mass adduct formation in both positive and negative ESI modes. In this study, additives in the mobile phases are investigated as a potential means of controlling mass adduct formation in various SARMs. The first evidence of chloride adduct formation when SARMs are detected via ESI-MS has been reported in this research. A series of mobile phase combinations were tested in order to achieve the optimal condition for HPLC-MS. A comparison was also made between adduct formation on various grades of water used for preparing the mobile phase. A validation study using equine urine and plasma was also conducted to assess the suitability of the developed method. The results of this study will allow for a more accurate identification of SARMs, which will make it easier to investigate their illicit use in horse racing.