Determination of 1,4- and 1,5-benzodiazepines in urine using a computerized gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric technique

A method for the determination of benzodiazepines and their main metabolites in urine after acid hydrolysis is described. The extract is analyzed by computerized gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. An on-line computer allows rapid detection using mass fragmentography with the masses m/e 211, 230, 241, 244, 249, 262, 276, and 285. The mass fragmentogram and the underlying mass spectra of the hydrolysis products (benzophenones and analogues) are documented.