Integration of offline two-dimensional chromatography and mass defect filtering-based precursor ion list data acquisition for targeted characterization of diterpenoid alkaloids in the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii

•Construction of an UPC2 × RP offline 2D chromatographic system for separation of diterpenoid alkaloids.•Establishment of a MDF-based PIL method for targeted data acquisition of diterpenoid alkaloids.•Summarization of the CID-MS4 fragmentation behaviors of different subtypes of diterpenoid alkaloids.•Development of a four-step structure interpretation strategy for characterization of diterpenoid alkaloids.•Targeted characterization of 659 diterpenoid alkaloids in the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii.