Detection of new propofol metabolites in human urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques

Using hyphenated analytical techniques, gas chromatography/mass spectrometr y (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), a study on m inor propofol metabolites in human urine was conducted. These techniques al lowed identification of two new phase I metabolites (2-(omega-propanol)-6-i sopropylphenol and 2-(omega-propanol)-6-isopropyl-1,4-quinol). In addition, their four corresponding conjugates (three glucuronides and one sulphate) were detected, Thus in human urine at least eight conjugate metabolites are produced, derived from four different aglycones (propofol; 2,6-diisopropyl -1,4-quinol; 2(omega-propanol)-6-isopropylphenol and 2-(w-propanol)-6-isopr opyl-1,4-quinol). Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.