A stereoselective analytical method for bupropion and metabolites was developed and validated on three triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.
Bupropion, hydroxybupropion, erythrohydrobupropion, and threohydrobupropion enantiomers were resolved with a α1-acid glycoprotein chiral column.
Erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion enantiomer peaks were stereochemically assigned by borohydride reduction of enantiopure (R and S)-bupropion.
Plasma concentrations of bupropion and metabolite isomers were determined from a patient who received extended release (R,S)-bupropion.