X-ray structural studies on metal complexes with nucleotides and pyridoxal-amino acid Schiff bases. Models for platinum binding to DNA and pyridoxal catalyzed reactions

X-ray structural studies on metal complexes with nucleotides and with pyridoxalamino acid Schiff bases are briefly reviewed. The results with ternary metal nucleotide complexes show that the oxopurine nucleotides coordinate to the metal ion through the N(7) atoms of the bases incis position. The relevance of this mode of binding is discussed in terms of the possible mechanism of action of the novel platinum drugs. On the basis of the studies on metal pyridoxal-amino acid Schiff base complexes, the variations in stereochemistry of the ligands in different metal complexes have been related to the catalytic activity of various metal ions in pyridoxal-catalyzed nonenzymatic reactions.     

Studies of the hydrated complexes of NiBr2 with adenosine

Summary Hydrated complexes of NiBr₂ with adenosine have been obtained and the thermal dehydration process thereof investigated. Changes in the coordination sphere have been studied. In a majority of the salts, Ni^II ions are six-coordinate, and adenosine molecules are bonded to Ni^II through the N(7) atom. In only one salt does the adenosine molecule formed a bridge: through the N(7) and N(3) atoms. Water molecules are bonded directly to Ni^II andvia hydrogen bonds. Anions are bonded to the metal ion in terminal positions.     

Lanthanide complexes of 2,2′‐oxydi­acetate: Na5[M(C4H4O5)3](BF4)2·6H2O (M = Nd,Sm or Gd)

The three title complexes, namely pentasodium tris(2,2′‐oxydi­acetato)­neodymium(III) bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate) hexahydrate and its samarium(III) and gadolinium(III) analogues, (I)–(III), respectively, are isomorphous and isostructural and have crystallographic D₃ symmetry. The lanthanide metal ions are nine‐coordinate, binding to three O atoms of three oxodi­acetate ligands. One Na⁺ ion is octahedrally coordinated to six O atoms and the other Na⁺ ion is octahedrally coordinated to four O atoms and two F atoms. The structure is effectively an infinite three‐dimensional polymer, consistent with the exceptional crystal quality. The racemic solutions spontaneously resolve on crystallization. For the individual crystals selected for structural analysis, the Nd and Sm complexes have the Λ configuration, while the Gd complex has the Δ configuration. The lanthanide–oxy­gen distances show the expected contraction of ca 0.02 Å with increasing atomic number for the lanthanide metal.     

Noncovalent Interaction of Uridine 5′-Monophosphate with Adenosine, Cytidine, and Thymidine, as well as Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate and Cytidine 5′-Monophosphate in Aqueous Solution

Adduct formation has been studied in the systems of uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) with adenosine (Ado), cytidine (Cyd), thymidine (Thd), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), and cytidine 5′-monophosphate (CMP) by the potentiometric method with computer analysis of the data and ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic measurements. It has been established that in the complexes identified, ion–dipole and dipole–dipole interactions occur with the positive reaction centers being protonated nitrogen atoms N(3) of UMP or Thd, and at low pH values, endocyclic nitrogen atoms of the other nucleosides and nucleotides, as e.g., in (UMP)H₂(Ado). The negative reaction centers are the high-electron density atoms N(1) and N(7) from Ado or AMP and N(3) from Cyd or CMP, and the phosphate group of the nucleotides studied, which already undergo partial deprotonation at low pH values. The NMR results have established the presence of noncovalent stacking-type interactions in certain molecular complexes, e.g., (UMP)H₂(AMP). The sites of ion–dipole or dipole–dipole interactions are generated as a result of deprotonation of the nucleosides and nucleotides in the pH range of formation of molecular complexes. Analysis of the equilibrium constants of the reaction allowed a determination of the effectiveness of the phosphate groups and donor atoms of heterocyclic rings in the process of molecular complex formation.     

Effectiveness of Phosphate Groups in Noncovalent Interactions in Binary Adenosine Nucleotides/Phosphoserine Aqueous Systems

Adduct formation in binary systems of O-phospho-L-serine (Ser-P) with adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), has been investigated. This study was performed in aqueous solutions using a potentiometric method with computer analysis of the data, together with ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic measurements. The overall stability constants of the adducts and the equilibrium constants for their formation have been determined. Ion-dipole and ion-ion interactions have been established to occur in the identified noncovalent complexes. An analysis of the equilibrium constants of the reaction has allowed the determination of the effectiveness of the phosphate groups and donor atoms of heterocyclic rings for molecular complex formation. The potential reaction centers are the atoms N(1) and N(7) from the purine base, the phosphate group of the nucleotides, and the phosphate, carboxyl and amine groups from phosphorylated serine. Sites for the interactions in the bioligands have been found on the basis of an equilibrium constant study and an analysis of the changes in the signal positions of their NMR spectra.     

气相中碱金属离子与丝氨酸、亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽复合物的裂解反应简

为了探索金属离子对含有不同侧链的多肽气相解离的影响,采用质谱法研究了碱金属离子Li+,Na+,K+,Rb+和Cs+分别与丝氨酸、亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽(分别简写为S5,L5和K5)形成的复合物的裂解反应. 质谱定性结果表明,5种碱金属离子均可以在气相中与丝氨酸、亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽形成配合比为1：1 和2：1的非共价复合物;竞争反应结果表明,随着碱金属离子半径的增加,它们与3种五肽的结合能力逐渐减弱. 质谱定量结果表明,K+与丝氨酸、亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽复合物的结合常数分别为8.94×104,2.83×104和2.50×103 L/mol,表明K+与五肽复合物的结合强度按照丝氨酸、亮氨酸和赖氨酸的顺序依次减小. 含不同侧链碱金属离子-五肽复合物的碰撞诱导解离结果表明,复合物的碎裂主要发生在骨架上,丝氨酸五肽复合物最易碎裂,亮氨酸五肽复合物其次,赖氨酸五肽复合物则较难碎裂,且3种复合物的侧链断裂情况也呈现明显差异. 此外,研究了Na+与亮氨酸五肽复合物所产生的碎片离子,分析了不同离子之间的来源关系,并以Dunbar的复合物理论模型为依据,推测在碎裂过程中,碱金属离子可能向五肽的碳端或氮端偏移. 质谱碎片分析结果表明,在2：1的非共价复合物中,第一个碱金属离子与五肽上4个酰胺键的羰基结合,第二个碱金属离子与五肽的羧基氧原子结合.     

气相中碱金属离子与丝氨酸、 亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽复合物的裂解反应

为了探索金属离子对含有不同侧链的多肽气相解离的影响, 采用质谱法研究了碱金属离子Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺和Cs⁺分别与丝氨酸、 亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽(分别简写为S5, L5和K5)形成的复合物的裂解反应. 质谱定性结果表明, 5种碱金属离子均可以在气相中与丝氨酸、 亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽形成配合比为1∶1 和2∶1的非共价复合物; 竞争反应结果表明, 随着碱金属离子半径的增加, 它们与3种五肽的结合能力逐渐减弱. 质谱定量结果表明, K⁺与丝氨酸、 亮氨酸和赖氨酸五肽复合物的结合常数分别为8.94×10⁴, 2.83×10⁴和2.50×10³ L/mol, 表明K⁺与五肽复合物的结合强度按照丝氨酸、 亮氨酸和赖氨酸的顺序依次减小. 含不同侧链碱金属离子-五肽复合物的碰撞诱导解离结果表明, 复合物的碎裂主要发生在骨架上, 丝氨酸五肽复合物最易碎裂, 亮氨酸五肽复合物其次, 赖氨酸五肽复合物则较难碎裂, 且3种复合物的侧链断裂情况也呈现明显差异. 此外, 研究了Na⁺与亮氨酸五肽复合物所产生的碎片离子, 分析了不同离子之间的来源关系, 并以Dunbar的复合物理论模型为依据, 推测在碎裂过程中, 碱金属离子可能向五肽的碳端或氮端偏移. 质谱碎片分析结果表明, 在2∶1的非共价复合物中, 第一个碱金属离子与五肽上4个酰胺键的羰基结合, 第二个碱金属离子与五肽的羧基氧原子结合.     

Stoichiometry, complex stability, molecular size and conformational variations of metal ion crown ether complexes subject to diffusion coefficients in nonaqueous solutions

Both the stoichiometry and complex stability constants of crown ether complexes with metal ions have been determined by examining gradual changes in their diffusional behavior in nonaqueous solution. Diffusion coefficients, D, were evaluated by pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR titration experiments whilst complex stability constants were determined by nonlinear curve-fitting procedures, D versus c_sol., which also allow the treatment of multiple complexation equilibria (1:1 to 1:2 stoichiometries). Differences in the diffusion coefficients of the various free crown ethers with respect to their metal ion complexes indicate great sensitivity to both conformational changes and changes in molecular size upon complexation.     

Molecular Assembly Directed by Metal–Aromatic Interactions: Control of the Aggregation and Photophysical Properties of Zn–Salen Complexes by Aromatic Mercuration

There is widespread interest in non‐covalent bonding and weak interactions, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, solvophobic/hydrophobic interactions, metal–metal interactions, and π–π stacking, to tune the molecular assembly of planar π‐conjugated organic and inorganic molecules. Inspired by the roles of metal–aromatic interaction in biological systems, such as in ion channels and metalloproteins, herein, we report the first example of the use of Hg²⁺–aromatic interactions to selectively control the assembly and disassembly of zinc–salen complexes in aqueous media; moreover, this process exhibited significant “turn on” fluorescent properties. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of the titration of Hg²⁺ ions versus complex ZnL¹ revealed that the higher binding affinity of Hg²⁺ ions (compared to 13 other metal ions) was ascribed to specific interactions between the Hg²⁺ ions and the phenyl rings of ZnL¹ ; this result was also confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and HRMS (ESI). Further evidence for this type of interaction was obtained from the reaction of small‐molecule analogue L¹ with Hg²⁺ ions, which demonstrates the proximity of the N‐alkyl group to the aromatic protons during Hg²⁺‐ion binding, which led to the consequential H/D exchange reaction with D₂O. DFT modeling of such interactions between the Hg²⁺ ions and the phenyl rings afforded calculated distances between the C and Hg atoms (2.29 Å) that were indicative of C? Hg bond‐formation, under the direction of the N atom of the morpholine ring. The unusual coordination of Hg²⁺ ions to the phenyl ring of the metallosalen complexes not only strengthened the binding ability but also increased the steric effect to promote the disassembly of ZnL¹ in aqueous media.     

Interference of Copper(II) ions with Non-covalent Interactions in Uridine or Uridine 5′-Monophosphate Systems with Adenosine,Cytidine, Thymidine and their Monophosphates in Aqueous Solution

Coordination reactions of copper(II) ions and their effect on non-covalent interactions in uridine (Urd) or uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) systems with nucleosides (Ado, Cyd, Thd) and nucleotides (AMP and CMP) in aqueous solutions have been studied. At high pH the effective coordination centers are deprotonated N(3) atoms from Urd and Thd, whereas at low pH, the N(3) atoms of pyrimidine nucleosides are blocked for coordination and the metallation sites are endocyclic nitrogen atoms from Ado, Cyd, AMP and CMP. Moreover, at low pH, the main reaction center in nucleotide solutions is the phosphate group. The NMR study has proven the occurrence of non-covalent ion-dipole interactions and stacking interactions in the systems considered. Introduction of a copper ion in the majority of systems causes the disappearance of weak interactions between ligands. The structures of the complexes in solution have been inferred from the equilibrium study: an analysis of the pH range of their occurrence with respect to the pH range of deprotonation of particular groups in the compounds studied, using Vis, EPR and ¹³C as well as ³¹P NMR spectral analysis.     

Synthesis,spectral, MOE and cytotoxic studies of nano Ru (III), Pr (III) and Gd (III) metal complexes with new Schiff base ligand based on dibenzoyl methane and anthranilic acid

Three metal complexes of Gd (III), Pr (III) and Ru (III) metal ions with Schiff base ligand (H₂L) (prepared through l:2 condensation of dibenzoyl methane and anthranilic acid) were prepared and characterized using various physio-chemical methods like: elemental analyses, IR, mass spectrometry, magnetic moment, ¹H NMR, SEM and TG/DTG thermal analysis. The analytical and spectroscopic tools showed that the complexes had composition of ML type with octahedral geometry. The mass spectra gave the possible molecular ion peaks of the Schiff base ligand and three metal chelates. The ¹H NMR data supported the IR finding that the ligand coordinated to the metal ions via carboxylate proton displacement. Thermal analysis (TG/DTG) was utilized to differentiate between coordinated and hydrated water molecules. The Schiff base (H₂L) and its metal complexes have been screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram (+) bacteria (Streptococcus aureus and Bacillis subtilis), Gram (−) bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) and two fungi (Aspergillus fumigatu and Candida albicans) organisms by agar diffusion method. The anticancer activity was screened against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The H₂L ligand and its metal chelates were docked using MOE 2008 software with crystal structure of Gram (+) bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID: 3Q8U) and Gram (−) bacteria: Salmonella typhimurium (PDB ID: lDZR) to identify the binding orientation or conformation of the complex in the active site of the protein.     

Coordination chemistry of a terpyridine-tris(pyrazolyl) ditopic ligand

A new ditopic ligand, 4'-(4-(2,2,2-tris(1H-pyrazol-1-ido)ethoxymethyl)phenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (pzt), has been prepared and its coordination chemistry studied. Metal ions with a preference for octahedral geometry form ML(2) complexes that are readily isolated and characterised, with the metal ion being bound to the terpyridine sites of both ligands. Other metal ions bind to the terpyridine site of just one ligand. In the case of silver(i), a dinuclear M(2)L(2) complex has been isolated in which each silver ion is coordinated to the terpyridine site of one ligand and to a single pyrazolyl donor group from the second ligand. Evidence for binding of metal ions to the tris(pyrazolyl) binding site was obtained by electrospray mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. The free ligand and three metal complexes, including the disilver complex, have been characterised by X-ray crystallographic techniques.     

Ca2+‐complex stability of GAPAGPLIVPY peptide in gas and aqueous phase,investigated by affinity capillary electrophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations and compared to mass spectrometric results

Strong, sequence‐specific gas‐phase bindings between proline‐rich peptides and alkaline earth metal ions in nanoESI‐MS experiments were reported by Lehmann et al. (Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2006, 20, 2404–2410), however its relevance for physiological‐like aqueous phase is uncertain. Therefore, the complexes should also be studied in aqueous solution and the relevance of the MS method for binding studies be evaluated. A mobility shift ACE method was used for determining the binding between the small peptide GAPAGPLIVPY and various metal ions in aqueous solution. The findings were compared to the MS results and further explained using computational methods. While the MS data showed a strong alkaline earth ion binding, the ACE results showed nonsignificant binding. The proposed vacuum state complex also decomposed during a molecular dynamic simulation in aqueous solution. This study shows that the formed stable peptide–metal ion adducts in the gas phase by ESI‐MS does not imply the existence of analogous adducts in the aqueous phase. Comparing peptide–metal ion interaction under the gaseous MS and aqueous ACE conditions showed huge difference in binding behavior.     

Structures and energetics of complexation of metal ions with ammonia,water, and benzene: A computational study

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed at CCSD(T)/def2‐TZVP level to investigate the strength and nature of interactions of ammonia (NH₃), water (H₂O), and benzene (C₆H₆) with various metal ions and validated with the available experimental results. For all the considered metal ions, a preference for C₆H₆ is observed for dicationic ions whereas the monocationic ions prefer to bind with NH₃. Density Functional Theory–Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory (DFT‐SAPT) analysis has been employed at PBE0AC/def2‐TZVP level on these complexes (closed shell), to understand the various energy terms contributing to binding energy (BE). The DFT‐SAPT result shows that for the metal ion complexes with H₂O electrostatic component is the major contributor to the BE whereas, for C₆H₆ complexes polarization component is dominant, except in the case of alkali metal ion complexes. However, in case of NH₃ complexes, electrostatic component is dominant for s‐block metal ions, whereas, for the d and p‐block metal ion complexes both electrostatic and polarization components are important. The geometry (M⁺–N and M⁺–O distance for NH₃ and H₂O complexes respectively, and cation–π distance for C₆H₆ complexes) for the alkali and alkaline earth metal ion complexes increases down the group. Natural population analysis performed on NH₃, H₂O, and C₆H₆ complexes shows that the charge transfer to metal ions is higher in case of C₆H₆ complexes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Metal ion binding modes of hypoxanthine and xanthine versus the versatile behaviour of adenine

The metal coordination patterns of hypoxanthine, xanthine and related oxy-purines have been reviewed on the basis of the structural information available in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), including also the most recent reports founded in SciFinder. Attention is paid to the metal ion binding modes and interligand interactions in mixed-ligand metal complexes, as well as the possibilities of metal binding of the exocyclic-O atoms. The information in CSD is also reviewed for the complexes of adenine in cationic, neutral and anionic forms with every metal ion. In contrast to the scarce structural information about hypoxanthine and related complexes, large structural information is available for adenine complexes with a variety of metals that reveals some correlations between the crystal–chemical properties of metal ions. Three aspects are studied in deep: the coordination patterns, the interligand interactions influencing the molecular recognition in mixed-ligand metal complexes and the connectivity between metals for different adenine species, thus supporting its unique versatility as ligand. When possible, the overall behaviour showed by adenine metal complexes is discussed according to the HSAB Pearson criteria and the tautomeric behaviour observed for each protonated species of adenine. The differences between the roles of adenine and the referred oxypurines ligands are underlined.     

Study on the nematicidal activity and chemical structure of NO bidentate Schiff base some metal complexes

A series of Co(II), Cu(II), Y(III), Zr(IV), La(III), and U(VI) complexes derived from 2-(2-hydroxybenzylidinemine)-benzoic acid (L) ligand were synthesized. The mode of bonding of L and the structure of its metal complexes were investigated using different analytical and spectral tools (FT-IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, mass, and XRD). The ligand chelated with the metal ions as a neutral bidentate through oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atoms. All metal complexes adopted octahedral geometry with characteristic color for metal ions. The results of magnetic moment measurements supported paramagnetic for some complexes (Co(II) and Cu(II)) and diamagnetic phenomena for the other complexes. The thermal decomposition of the ligand along with its metal complexes was explained. The molar conductance values of all complexes in (DMF) were found in the range 154.50 to 250.20 S cm² mol⁻¹ at room temperature. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as E*, ΔH*, ΔS* and ΔG*, were calculated from the DTG curves using Coats–Redfern (CR) and Horowitz–Metzeger (HM) methods at n = 1 or n ≠ 1. The nematicidal activity of the synthesized L and their metal complexes was screened.     

Quantitative analysis of cation binding to the adenosine nucleotides using the variable ionic strength method: validation of the Debye-Hückel-Onsager theory of electrophoresis in the absence of counterion binding

The free solution mobilities of the adenosine nucleotides 5'-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 5'-adenosine diphosphate (ADP), 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and 3'-5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP) have been measured in diethylmalonate buffers containing a wide variety of monovalent cations. The mobilities of all nucleotides increase gradually with the increase in intrinsic conductivity of the cation in the BGE. However, at a given conductivity, the mobilities observed for ATP, ADP, and AMP in BGEs containing alkali metal ions and other cations are lower than these observed in BGEs containing tetraalkylammonium ions. Since the mobility of cAMP is independent of the cation in the BGE, the results suggest that the relatively low mobilities observed for ATP, ADP, and AMP in BGEs containing cations other than a tetraalkylammonium ion are due to cation binding, reducing the effective net charge of the nucleotide and thereby reducing the observed mobility. To measure the binding quantitatively, the mobilities of the nucleotides were measured as a function of ionic strength. The mobilities of ATP, ADP, and AMP decrease nonlinearly with the square root of ionic strength (I(1/2)) in BGEs containing an alkali metal ion or Tris(+). By contrast, the mobilities decrease linearly with I(1/2) in BGEs containing a nonbinding quaternary ammonium ion, as expected from Debye-Hückel-Onsager (DHO) theory. The mobility of cAMP, a nonbinding analyte, decreases linearly with I(1/2), regardless of the cation in the BGE. Hence, a nonlinear decrease of the mobility of an analyte with I(1/2) appears to be a hallmark of counterion binding. The curved mobility profiles observed for ATP, ADP, and AMP in BGEs containing an alkali metal ion or Tris(+) were analyzed by nonlinear curve fitting, using difference mobility profiles to correct for the effect of the physical properties of BGE on the observed mobilities. The calculated apparent dissociation constants range from 22 to 344 mM, depending on the particular cation-nucleotide pair. Similar values have been obtained by other investigators, using different methods. Interestingly, Tris(+) and Li(+) bind to the adenosine nucleotides with approximately equal affinities, suggesting that positively charged Tris(+) buffer ions can compete with alkali metal ions in Tris-buffered solutions.     

3-Picoline-N-oxide complexes of rare-earth bromides

3-Picoline-N-oxide (3-PicNO) complexes of rare-earth bromides of the formulaMBr₃(3-PicNO)_8–n·nH₂O wheren=0 forM=La, Pr, Nd, Sm Tb or Y andn=2 forM=Ho or Yb have been prepared. Infrared and proton NMR studies indicate that the coordination of the ligand is through oxygen. Conductance data in acetonitrile suggest that two bromide ions are coordinated to the metal ion. Proton NMR studies suggest a bicapped dodecahedral arrangement of the ligands around the metal ion in solution for Pr(III), Nd(III) and Tb(III) complexes.     

On the Hydrogen Oxalate Binding Motifs onto Dinuclear Cu and Ag Metal Phosphine Complexes

We report the binding geometries of the isomers that are formed when the hydrogen oxalate ((CO₂)₂H=HOx) anion attaches to dinuclear coinage metal phosphine complexes of the form [M₁M₂dcpm₂(HOx)]⁺ with M=Cu, Ag and dcpm=bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane, abbreviated [MM]⁺ . These structures are established by comparison of isomer-selective experimental vibrational band patterns displayed by the cryogenically cooled and N₂-tagged cations with DFT calculations of the predicted spectra for various local minima. Two isomeric classes are identified that feature either attachment of the carboxylate oxygen atoms to the two metal centers (end-on docking) or attachment of oxygen atoms on different carbon atoms asymmetrically to the metal ions (side-on docking). Within each class, there are additional isomeric variations according to the orientation of the OH group. This behavior indicates that HOx undergoes strong and directional coordination to [CuCu]⁺ but adopts a more flexible coordination to [AgAg]⁺ . Infrared spectra of the bare ions, fragmentation thresholds and ion mobility measurements are reported to explore the behaviors of the complexes at ambient temperature.     

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectral characterization of metal‐humic binding

The interaction between metals and naturally occurring humic substances and the thereby induced issues of bioavailability and hydrogeochemical turnover of metal ions in natural waters have been the subject of intense study for decades. Traditional bulk techniques to investigate metal‐humic binding (e.g. potentiometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS)) can provide quantitative results for the relative abundance and distribution of metal species in humic samples and/or overall binding constants. The shortcoming of these bulk techniques is the absence of structural detail. Ultra‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry, currently the only technique demonstrated to resolve individual humic ions, is not generally employed to provide the missing qualitative information primarily because the identification of metal complexes within the already complex mixtures of humic substances is non‐trivial and time‐consuming to the extent of eliminating any possibility for real‐time manipulation of chelated analytes. Here, it is demonstrated that with tailored selection of the metal ion, it is possible to visually identify large numbers of metal‐humic complexes (～500 for Be²⁺, ～1100 for Mn²⁺, and ～1500 for Cr³⁺) in real‐time as the spectra are being acquired. Metal ions are chosen so that they form primarily even‐m/z complexes with humic ions. These even‐m/z complexes stand out in the spectrum and can readily be characterized based on molecular formulae, which here revealed for example that Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) complexes encompassed primarily highly oxygenated fulvic acids of relatively low double‐bond equivalence. Facile, real‐time identification of even‐m/z metal‐humic complexes additionally allows for the specific selection of metal‐humic complexes for MSⁿ analysis and in‐trap ion‐neutral reactions enabling investigation of metal‐humic complex structure. MS/MS data were collected to demonstrate the potential of the technique as well as highlight some of the remaining challenges. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.