Analysis of Melamine, Cyanuric Acid, Ammelide, and Ammeline Using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI/TOFMS)

Abstract

Melamine, cyanuric acid, two compounds connected to tainted pet food, and related analogs have been analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. (M+H)⁺ ions were observed for ammelide and ammeline under positive ion conditions with sinapinic acid as the matrix. With alpha‐cyano‐4‐hydroxy‐cinnamic acid as the matrix, a matrix‐melamine complex was observed; however, no complex was observed with sinapinic acid as the matrix. (M−H)⁻ was observed for cyanuric acid with sinapinic acid as the matrix.

Keywords:

• Melamine
• matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
• ammelide
• ammeline
• cyanuric acid

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated for the Department of Energy by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract DE‐AC06‐76RLO.