Precursor ion scan driven fast untargeted screening and semi-determination of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in Cynara scolymus L.

A precursor ion scan (PIS) technique based strategy was developed for rapid screening and semi-determination of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (CADs) in artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid were used for studying the fragmentation behaviour of two classes of CADs, setting m/z 191 as a diagnostic moiety. When it was applied to artichoke sample, ten CADs were detected and elucidated in a single PIS run. Furthermore, method validation was implemented including: specificity (no interference), linearity (⩾0.9993), limit of detection (LOD < 0.12 ng mL−1) and limit of quantification (LOQ < 0.25 ng mL−1), precision (RSD ⩽ 3.6), recovery (91.4-95.9%) and stability (at least 12 h). This approach was proven to be a powerful, selective and sensitive tool for rapid screening and semi-determination of untargeted components in natural products.