Determination of Benzylaminopurine in Agricultural Products

Abstract

A simplified method for the determination of benzylaminopurine in agricultural products by LC/MS was investigated. Benzylaminopurine in agricultural products was extracted with acetone and the extract was concentrated to below 30 mL. Buffer solution of pH 9.0 and ethyl acetate were added to the residue, and the solution was shaken. The ethyl acetate layer was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was dissolved in acetone-n-hexane (1 : 1). The solution was applied to a SAX/PSA mini-column, which was then rinsed with acetone-n-hexane (1 : 1). Benzylaminopurine was eluted with acetone-n-hexane (1 : 1) containing 1% water. The eluates were evaporated to dryness, and the residue was dissolved in 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate-methanol (1 : 1). Benzylaminopurine was analyzed by LC/MS. The MS detection was performed in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode, with detection of the M+H⁺ ion of benzylaminopurine (m/z 226) generated by electrospray ionization (ESI). Recoveries of benzylaminopurine from 15 agricultural products were in the range of 83.1-97.2%. The limits of detection (S/N=3) of benzylaminopurine in all samples except green tea and in green tea were 0.0003 and 0.0012 μg/g, respectively.