Analysis of androgenic steroid Girard P hydrazones using multistage tandem mass spectrometry

Seven androgenic steroids have been converted into steroid hydrazones using Girard P hydrazine and analysed by electrospray ionisation multistage tandem mass spectrometry. The cationic derivatives 17α‐testosterone hydrazone, 17β‐nortestosterone hydrazone, 17β‐bolasterone hydrazone, 17α‐boldenone hydrazone, 17β‐fluoxymesterone hydrazone, 17α‐trenbolone hydrazone and 4‐chloroandrosten‐3,17‐dione hydrazone show good response in positive ion mode with enhancements for the method of up to 33 times relative to the native species. Detailed characterisation of fragmentation pathways reveals structurally specific ions formed by fragmentation of the hydrazine moiety. Comparison of structural similarities among the androgenic steroids allows recognition of common ions/fragmentation processes as well as analyte‐specific transitions. The suitability of the derivatisation approach in the screening of heifer urine for the presence of administered hormones has been demonstrated using partially purified urine spiked with a mixture of androgenic steroids. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.