Use of multiple-reaction monitoring ratios for identifying incompletely resolved fentanyl homologs and analogs via ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Fentanyl and 16 of its corresponding homologs and analogs were distinguished using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). A 1.7 μm Acquity BEH C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm) was used with a 1% formic acid (pH 2.2), methanol gradient. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed for MS/MS detection. All selected fentanyl-related compounds, including incompletely resolved compounds, were uniquely identified using retention times and dual MRMs.