Rapid Identification of Carotenoids in a Combination of Liquid Chromatography / UV-Visible Absorption Spectrometry by Photodiode-Array Detector and Atomospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LC/PAD/APCI-MS)

Abstract

The combination method of high performance liquid chromatography / UV-Visible (Vis) absorption spectrometry by photodiode-array detector and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (LC/PAD/APCI-MS) were applied for the rapid identification of carotenoids obtained from several natural sources. APCI-MS spectra provided not only information of the molecule weight but also the presence of functional groups such as hydroxy, acetyl and glycosyl groups in carotenoids. On the other hand, UV-Vis spectra gave the information of chromophores which consist of the conjugated double bonds and end groups in carotenoids. This combination method allows the carotenoids to be characterized by retention time in HPLC, APCI-MS and UV-Vis spectral data so that it offers rapid and accurate method for the identification of carotenoids extracted from various natual sources.© 2002, Japan Oil Chemists’ Society. All rights reserved.