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Rapid analysis of α ‐dicarbonyl compounds by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using 9‐(3,4‐diaminophenyl)acridine (DAA) as a reactive matrix
Author(s) -
Mugo Samuel M.,
Bottaro Christina S.
Publication year - 2008
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/rcm.3450
Subject(s) - chemistry , derivatization , mass spectrometry , acridine , chromatography , detection limit , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , matrix (chemical analysis) , chemical ionization , ionization , quinoxaline , desorption , ion , organic chemistry , adsorption
Abstract A rapid, sensitive and selective method has been developed for the analysis of α ‐dicarbonyls using a readily ionizable compound, 9‐(3,4‐diaminophenyl)acridine (DAA), as a reactive matrix (derivatizing agent and ionization efficiency enhancer), by reactive matrix laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (RM‐LDI‐TOF MS). The reaction between the DAA and α ‐dicarbonyls resulted exclusively in formation of vacuum‐stable dicarbonyl‐quinoxaline acridine derivatives that were found to possess excellent ionization efficiency in positive ion mode, without the need to use an additional matrix. The α ‐dicarbonyls used as test compounds included methylglyoxal, dimethylglyoxal, and diphenylglyoxal. Both one‐pot and rapid on‐plate chemical modification approaches were employed with no extraction or purification necessary. The approach is particularly suitable for high‐throughput analysis. The method was found to be selective and specific, with α ‐dicarbonyls unequivocally identified, even in complex matrices, e.g. beer. The figures of merit: relative standard deviation (RSD) 6.9–17%, (n = 4); limit of detection (LOD) ≤0.3 ng mL −1 for the three standards tested using the one‐pot derivatization method; and a good linear calibration curve using an internal standard derivatized in situ (R 2 ≥ 0.979), demonstrate the applicability of the technique and its utility in improving the sensitivity and precision of the LDI analysis of small molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.