Mass Spectral Analysis of Glucuronides^†

Evaluation of the mass spectra of a number of ether-linked glucuronides indicates that a considerable amount of structural information may be deduced. A number of ions derived from the sugar acid moiety serve to identify an unknown as a glucuronide. The molecular weight of the conjugate, and by subtraction that of the aglycon, may be determined. Fragmentation around the acetal linkage varies according to whether the hydroxyl group is aromatic or aliphatic. Further information about the aglycon structure and also about the point of conjugation can be obtained from appropriate fragmentation in the drug moiety itself.