Premium
Investigation of colloidal graphite as a matrix for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry of low molecular weight analytes
Author(s) -
Warren Alexander D.,
Conway Ulric,
Arthur Christopher J.,
Gates Paul J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 1076-5174
DOI - 10.1002/jms.3774
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , matrix (chemical analysis) , chromatography , graphite , analyte , desorption , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , organic chemistry , adsorption
The analysis of low molecular weight compounds by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry is problematic due to the interference and suppression of analyte ionisation by the matrices typically employed – which are themselves low molecular weight compounds. The application of colloidal graphite is demonstrated here as an easy to use matrix that can promote the ionisation of a wide range of analytes including low molecular weight organic compounds, complex natural products and inorganic complexes. Analyte ionisation with colloidal graphite is compared with traditional organic matrices along with various other sources of graphite (e.g. graphite rods and charcoal pencils). Factors such as ease of application, spectra reproducibility, spot longevity, spot‐to‐spot reproducibility and spot homogeneity (through single spot imaging) are explored. For some analytes, considerable matrix suppression effects are observed resulting in spectra completely devoid of matrix ions. We also report the observation of radical molecular ions [M –● ] in the negative ion mode, particularly with some aromatic analytes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.