High‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry for the characterization of transformation products of ionic liquids. (30th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fabbri, Debora; Calza, Paola; Noè, Giorgio; Santoro, Valentina; Medana, Claudio
• Is Part Of: Rapid communications in mass spectrometry. Volume 31:Number 23(2017)
• Page Start: 2011
• Page End: 2020
• Publication Date: 2017-10-30
• Subjects: Mass spectrometry -- Periodicals; 543.65
• DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-4198

Abstract

Abstract : Rationale: Ionic liquids (ILs) are a subject of active research in the field of alternative solvents. We studied the behaviour of a piperidine IL, 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate (BMPA), through the elucidation of its transformation products (TPs) in water. Methods: The transformation pathways of BMPA were investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with a hybrid LTQ‐Orbitrap instrument on the basis of mass defect filtering. TPs of BMPA were identified by fragmentation patterns and accurate mass measurements. Results: The separation and identification of 32 TPs was achieved. BMPA can be oxidized at different positions in the alkyl chains. The ultimate products corresponds to N ‐methyl‐piperidinium and some byproducts involving ring‐opening. Tests of acute toxicity, evaluated with Vibrio Fischeri bacteria, show that BMPA transformation proceeds through the formation of slightly harmful compounds. Conclusions: Results showed that the main transformation pathways of BMPA were alkyl chain hydroxylation/shortening and de‐alkylation, and that HPLC/LTQ‐Orbitrap can serve as an important analytical platform to gather the unknown TPs of ILs.