Identification of degradation products of diclofenac by electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry

The degradation products of diclofenac in aqueous dosage form in accelerated storage conditions were characterized by electrospray ionization–ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). Liquid chromatography (LC)–MS analyses revealed the presence of three degradation products. ESI–MS n spectra were used to study diclofenac fragmentation in detail and to characterize the structures of degradation products. A previously described degradation product, formed by a cyclization reaction of diclofenac producing the indolinone derivative, was found. As any hydroxylated product was found, no oxidation seems to occur in the dosage form used. On the contrary, two degradates have been detected and identified, leading to a primary alcohol structure or an aldehyde function in place of the acetate group of diclofenac.