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Characterization of sterols by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry of the trimethylsilyl ethers
Author(s) -
Brooks C. J. W.,
Horning E. C.,
Young J. S.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
lipids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.601
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1558-9307
pISSN - 0024-4201
DOI - 10.1007/bf02531277
Subject(s) - trimethylsilyl , chemistry , mass spectrometry , gas chromatography , mass spectrum , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry , methylene , chromatography , ether , sterol , delta , silylation , fragmentation (computing) , organic chemistry , catalysis , biochemistry , cholesterol , computer science , engineering , operating system , aerospace engineering
The utility of combined gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in the analysis and characterization of sterols has been explored. Methylene unit (MU) values and principal mass spectrometric data are presented for trimethylsilyl ethers of 28 sterols, including the major natural sterols. The diagnostic value of the fragmentation of trimethylsilyl ethers of Δ 5 ‐3 β‐hydroxysteroids has been confirmed. Characteristic fragmentations of Δ 4 ‐3 β‐trimethylsilyloxysteroids, and of Δ 5,7 ‐3 β‐trimethylsilyloxysteroids were also found. Location of side‐chain hydroxyl groups is facilitated by the α‐cleavages typical of the trimethylsilyl ethers. Fragmentations of saturated sterols, and of Δ 7 , Δ 8(9) and Δ (14) stenols, are less influenced by trimethylsilyl ether formation, but the derivatives still afford satisfactory mass spectra. The combination of gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric information allows positive identification of any of the sterols examined, whereas application of either technique alone may give inconclusive results.