Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of the tripeptide glutathione in the electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization mode

The dicarboxylic tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular thiol. GSH analysis by liquid chromatography is routine. Yet, GSH analysis by gas chromatography is challenged due to thermal instability and lacking volatility. We report a high-yield laboratory method for the preparation of 2 H-labeled GSH dimethyl ester ((d 3 Me) 2 -GSH) for use as internal standard (IS) which was characterized by LC–MS/MS. For GC–MS analysis, the dimethyl esters of GSH and the IS were derivatized with pentafluoropropionic (PFP) anhydride. Electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization of the (Me) 2 -(PFP) 3 -GSH provided high sensitivity. We encourage increasing use of GC–MS in the analysis of amino acids as their Me-PFP derivatives in the ECNICI mode.