Structural analysis of melatonin and related compounds using JMS-S3000 SpiralTOF™ with the TOF-TOF option [MALDI Application]
MSTips No.256
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) uses low-molecular-weight (LMW) compounds called matrices to enhance ionization efficiency. MALDI is often used in combination with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS), but measuring LMW organic compounds with m/z 500 with this technique is generally considered difficult. First, not only the target compound but also the matrix and other contaminating components are ionized and observed in the mass spectrum, and insufficient mass resolution makes it difficult to separate these peaks when using reflectron-type TOF-MS. Second, post-source decay (PSD) ions are also observed as background ions in low-mass regions of mass spectra.
The JMS-S3000 SpiralTOF™, which has a JEOL-patented spiral orbital ion optical system, has a long-flight distance of 17 m and can achieve high-mass resolution. In addition, the electrostatic sectors that constitute the ion optical system can exclude PSD ions, making it possible to acquire a mass spectrum that is less affected by background ions. These features enable accurate mass measurement even in LMW regions[1].
LMW compounds similar in structure to the target compound are often also analyzed using MS/MS and imaging mass spectrometry[2]. When SpiralTOF™ is used with the TOF-TOF option, the user can select only monoisotopic ions of precursor ions via high-mass selectivity and observe informative fragmentation channels using high-energy–collision induced dissociation (HE-CID). In this Applications Note, we report on MS/MS analysis of melatonin, its metabolite 5-methoxytryptamine, and N-acetylserotonin, which is a synthetic intermediate of melatonin from serotonin.
Experiment
In this analysis we used the standard reagents of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, and N-acetylserotonin (Figure 1), preparing each as a 1 mg/mL methanol solution. For a matrix, we used 2,5-hydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) dissolved in methanol. The sample and matrix solutions were mixed at 1: v/v. We dropped 1 μL of mixed solution onto the target plate and allowed it to air dry. Product ion spectra were acquired using TOF-TOF positive ion mode.
Results
Product ion spectra of monoisotopic ions of [M+H]+ of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, and N-acetylserotonin are shown in Figure 2.
Their overall spectral patterns were similar, so we presumed them to be a compound with a similar structure. We observed the characteristic peak m/z 174 only in melatonin and 5-methoxytryptamine; another characteristic peak, m/z 43, was seen only in melatonin and N-acetylserotonin. The fragmentation channels of the three compounds are shown in Figure 3. The peaks of m/z 174 u corresponded to C2H5NO and NH3 neutral loss from melatonin and 5-methoxytryptamine, respectively, and became fragment ions of the same structure. In N-acetylserotonin, we observed a C2H5NO neutral-loss peak at m/z 160. The peaks at m/z 43 correspond to C2H3O+ and were derived from the common structure of melatonin and N-acetylserotonin.
Conclusion
It is possible to analyze similar structures of different LMW compounds by analyzing the HE-CID product ion spectra obtained using SpiralTOF™ with the TOF-TOF option. Using this technique, we analyzed the terminal portion of melatonin and related compounds.
References
- [1] MSTips 241. “Analysis of medicinal properties in a combination cold remedy by using JMS-S3000 SpiralTOF™.”
- [2] MSTips 212. “High-mass–resolution MALDI imaging MS for drug metabolism in tissue using the JMS-S3000.”
Figure 1. Structural formulae of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, and N-acetylserotonin.
Figure 2. Product ion spectra of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, and N-acetylserotonin.
Fig. 3 Fragmentation channels of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine and N-acetylserotonin
- Please see the PDF file for the additional information.
Another window opens when you click. 
PDF 588KB
Related Products
Are you a medical professional or personnel engaged in medical care?
No
Please be reminded that these pages are not intended to provide the general public with information about the products.