Analysis and Characterization of Designer Tryptamines using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS)

The analysis and characterization of 12 “designer” tryptamines by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) are presented. Molecular weights were confirmed based on the experimental observation of protonated and deprotonated pseudo-molecular ions in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Standard tandem mass spectrometry (MS) experiments were also performed, and the results provided for the characterization of various fragmentation signatures, useful for the future analysis of currently unknown, similar compounds. The fragmentation spectra obtained from collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments (35 eV) were also compiled as part of an in-house mass spectral library. Results from selected MS experiments are presented and their use in structural elucidation is discussed. For comparison, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data for the tryptamines are also included and discussed.