Simultaneous determination of n-hexane, 2-hexanone and 2,5-hexanedione in biological tissues by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

A quantitative method is reported for the determination of n-hexane, 2-hexanone and 2,5-hexanedione in biological tissues by stable isotope dilution using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. n-[2H14]Hexane, 2-[2H5]hexanone and 2,5-[2H10]hexanedione are used as the isotopic diluents. After tissue homogenization and extraction of the three compounds in the presence of the deuterated internal standards, analysis is carried out in a single gas chromatographic injection by selected ion monitoring. Principal advantages of the technique are the ease of sample handling, rapidity of analysis and low limits of detection. The methodology is used to determine the organ distribution, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of n-hexane to 2-hexanone and 2,5-hexanedione in rats following inhalation exposure.