The analysis of quaternary ammonium compounds by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and thin-layer chromatography.

Abstract

The analysis of eight quaternary ammonium compounds (distigmine bromide, bethanechol chloride, pancuronium bromide, methylbenactyzium bromide, propantheline bromide, suxamethonium chloride, neostigmine methylsulphate and benzethonium chloride) in the urine was investigated by using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system combined with curie-point pyrolyzer and thin-layer chromatography purification technique. These compounds were identified by mass chromatography of the characteristic pyrolized fragment products of each compound. The detection limits of these compounds were 0.01-10 .mu.g in each compound. Simple and rapid extraction method of quaternary ammonium compounds by using ODS-cartridge was also examined. The present method appeared to be efficient, rapid, and simple method as a screening for quaternary ammonium compounds in the urine. It was clarified that this method enabled the accurate identification and quantification of these compounds.