Analytical derivatization–a tool for determination of orotic acid

Derivatization of orotic acid (OA) into various forms (trimethylsilylderivate, alkyl ester and per-methylated derivate) and their evaluation by GC/MS is described. The tested approach includes ion-exchange SPE clean-up, evaporation and chemical reaction with different types of derivatization agents (N,O-bis-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide with trimethylchlorosilane, butanol with acetylchloride and ethereal solution of diazomethane). Derivate originated in the reaction with diazomethane was used for determination of urinary orotic acid by GC/MS. Detection limit of 0.28 μmol l−1 was reached using the ion 82 m/z in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Linearity of the method was tested within the range of 3.4–2503.4 μmol l−1 covering physiological and pathological levels of orotic acid in urine sample. Recoveries were within the range 93.7–110.6%. Application of the method on the patient with defect of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) was demonstrated as well.