Matrix‐assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry of oligodeoxythmidylic acids

Ferulic acid, sinapinic acid and 2,5‐dihydroxybendoic acid (DHBA) have been tested as matrix materials for matrix‐asserted laser desorption of the pure oligonucleotide pd(T) 12 and a mixture of oligonucleotides pd(T) 12 through pd(T) 18 using pulsed 337 nm radiation combined with reflecting time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The three matrix materials are compared with respect to obtainable mass resolution, degree of fragmentation, and adduct formation, as well as the highest mass resolution.