Dimethylaminoethyl esters for trace, rapid analysis of fatty acids by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

The development of a new derivative, the dimethylaminoethyl ester, for the analysis of fatty acids by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry is described. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of long to very long chain fatty acids in plasma, blood, urine and wax were performed. Branched chain, unsaturated, dicarboxylic, hydroxy, amino and keto acids were studied. The quantitative analysis method using the new derivative is simple, rapid and precise with small sample size. It has good potential as a screening method for biologically important fatty acids. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.