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Ionization mechanisms in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: contribution of pre‐formed ions
Author(s) -
Lehmann Edda,
Knochenmuss Richard,
Zenobi Renato
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0231(199709)11:14<1483::aid-rcm982>3.0.co;2-f
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , ionization , ion , soft laser desorption , desorption , ambient ionization , matrix assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , ion source , mass spectrum , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , atmospheric pressure laser ionization , chemical ionization , thermal ionization mass spectrometry , electron ionization , chromatography , organic chemistry , adsorption
The mechanisms of ion formation in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry are still largely unknown. Ions may exist as pre‐formed species in the solid state, or may form by ion‐molecule reactions initiated by the laser shot, or, most probably, they may originate from a combination of both processes. The contribution of pre‐formed ions was approached from the standpoint of coordination chemistry and studied in different transition metal ion/matrix systems as well as in the copper/polystyrene system. The solution, the solid and the gas phases were investigated by means of infrared, visible and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. It was found that the contribution of pre‐formed ions can be predicted on the basis of condensed phase thermodynamics. MALDI mass spectra qualitatively reflect the amount of pre‐formed complexes in the solid target. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.