HPLC coupled with ion trap MS/MS for analysis of tertiary butylhydroquinone in edible oil samples

A rapid, sensitive, precise and accurate quantitative liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the measurement of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in commercial edible oil was developed and validated. After extraction, samples without prior concentration were analyzed by ion trap MS/MS in MS and MS/MS negative ion detection modes using electrospray ionization. The method showed satisfactory recovery (81.9 +/- 1.9-109.6 +/- 4.6%), sensitivity (lower limit of quantitation of 48 mu g/L for TBHQ) and precision (<= 5.2%), as well as excellent linearity (R-2 >= 0.99), with a run time of only 5 min. The method was successfully applied to the determination of TBHQ in commercial samples of edible oils containing various natural antioxidants, providing a promising and convenient entry to monitor the use of TBHQ.