Confirmation of the structure of by-products in the synthesis of modafinil by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

By-products formed during the synthesis of Modafinil, a new awakening drug, were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with thermospray interface; the working conditions were optimized, in particular the value of the tension of repeller. The obtained mass spectra, giving in three cases out of four not only molecular adducts but lower ones, furnished structural information concerning these by-products. Through comparison of spectra with standards, confirmation of their structure was achieved. © 1991.