Determination of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nonivamide in self-defense weapons by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) methods for the analysis of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nonivamide in pepper spray products have been developed. Chromatographic separation of the capsaicinoid analogues was achieved using a reversed-phase HPLC column and a stepwise gradient of methanol and distilled water containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid.