Studies of ergot alkaloids using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry andB/E linked scans

Abstract

A crude extract from an ergot fermentation broth has been examined by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The [M + 1]+ ions formed from the mixture under chemical ionization conditions have also been studied using B/E linked scans with and without collision induced dissociation. Data obtained from high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry have been used to identify 11 alkaloids in a mixture of at least 18 unknown molecules. B/E Linked scan spectra obtained with and without collision activated dissociation from pure samples proved useful in differentiating isomeric alkaloids and in providing stereochemical information. Problems were encountered in application of these latter techniques to studies of the crude extract; in particular in the identification of isomers and in the presence of peaks arising from fragment ions formed from higher mass alkaloids present in the mixture.