Application of nonpolar matrices for the analysis of low molecular weight nonpolar synthetic polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The application of nonpolar matrices for the analysis of low molecular weight nonpolar synthetic polymers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is demonstrated. Anthracene, pyrene, and acenaphthene were utilized as nonpolar matrices for the analysis of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and polystyrene samples of various average molecular weights ranging from about 700 to 5000. The standard MALDI-MS approach for the analysis of these types of polymers involves the use of conventional acidic matrices, such asall-trans-retinoic acid, with an additional cationization reagent. The nonpolar matrices used in this study are shown to be as equally effective as the conventional matrices. The uniform mixing of the nonpolar matrices and the nonpolar analytes enhances the MALDI-MS spectral reproducibility. Silver salts were found to be the best cationization reagents for all of the cases studied. Copper salts worked well for polystyrene, poorly for polyisoprene, and not at all for polybutadiene samples. These matrices should be useful for the characterization of hydrocarbon polymers and other analytes, such as modified polymers, which may potentially be sensitive to acidic matrices.     

Analysis of hydrocarbon polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization-fourier transform mass spectrometry

A quick and effective sample preparation is demonstrated for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis of nonpolar polymers. Polyisoprene, polystyrene, and polybutadiene polymers were investigated by using as matrix a 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and silver nitrate combination. Silver cationized oligomers produce useful spectra that can be signal averaged to characterize polymer distributions extending up to 6000 u by using a 3-T Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Because an electrostatic ion deceleration protocol was used to extend the mass range, trapping discrimination is shown to exist for molecular weight distributions broader than about 2500 u. However, an integral procedure can be used to reconstruct the true polymer profiles through co-addition of signal transients obtained by using various gated deceleration times. For polymers with narrower mass distributions, silver cationization along with signal averaging provides rapid and accurate polymer characterization for nonpolar polymer systems by using standard MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry instrumentation.     

The use of nonpolar matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of high boiling crude oil fractions

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) with nonpolar matrices has been investigated for its applicability to the characterization of atmospheric resid crude oil fractions. The data obtained by use of nonpolar matrices was compared with that from polar matrices as well as from direct LDI-MS and field ionization mass spectrometry. Nonpolar matrices, such as anthracene or 9-cyanoanthracene, yield only a single radical molecular cation upon LDI. Thus, no interfering matrix-related ions are present during the MALDI-TOFMS analysis of the crude oil sample. Nonpolar matrices yield molecular mass distributions from linear mode MALDI-TOFMS that are comparable to distributions found with LDI-MS. An advantage of nonpolar matrices is the increased production of analyte ions, which allows reflectron mode MALDI-TOFMS to be performed. Nonpolar matrices are also shown to be less sensitive to solvent and sample preparation conditions than conventional polar matrices. These results suggest that nonpolar matrices may be favorable alternatives to more traditional polar or acidic matrices commonly used in the MALDI mass spectral characterization of crude oil related samples.     

The analysis of industrial synthetic polymers by electrospray droplet impact/secondary ion mass spectrometry

Electrospray droplet impact (EDI)/secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a new desorption/ionization technique for mass spectrometry in which highly charged water clusters produced from the atmospheric‐pressure electrospray are accelerated in vacuum by several kV and impact the sample deposited on the metal substrate. In this study, several industrial synthetic polymers, e.g. polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were analyzed by EDI/SIMS mass spectrometry. For higher molecular weight analytes, e.g. PS4000 and PEG4600, EDI/SIMS mass spectra could be obtained when cationization salts are added. For the polymers of lower molecular weights, e.g. PEG300 and PEG600, they could be readily detected as protonated ions without the addition of cationization agents. Anionized PS was also observed in the negative ion mode of operation when acetic acid was added to the charged droplet. Compared to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), ion signal distribution with lower background signals could be obtained particularly for the low‐molecular weight polymers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

For synthetic polymers, a proper sample preparation method is essential for successful characterization by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In this work, six synthetic mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCPs) with different main-chain, spacer and mesogenic units were investigated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Several factors that affect the analysis of these polymers were examined. These factors include matrices used, cationization salts used, the concentration of polymers, and the ratio of sample to matrix. After testing different conditions, we found a suitable sample preparation method for these six polymers. The number average molecular weight (M(n)), weight average molecular weight (M(w)) and polydispersity (PD) were calculated using data obtained in the linear mode. The end groups of the polymers were proposed using data obtained in reflectron mode. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy as a tool supporting optimization of MALDI-TOF MS analysis of polylactides

We report systematic structural studies of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) employing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. (13)C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR data for 1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthracenone (DT), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)-benzoic acid (HABA), and trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IAA), four matrices commonly used in MALDI-TOF analysis of polymers, were analyzed to test the influence of crystallization conditions (solvent, inorganic salt) on sample morphology. (13)C principal elements of chemical shift tensor (CST) and line-shape analyses were employed to study of the nature of hydrogen bonding and to evaluate the crystallinity and amorphicity of the pure polymer. NMR parameters for PLLA were compared with data for polylactide crystallized with the four matrices under different conditions with the addition of two inorganic salts as cationization agents. This study revealed that the semicrystalline structure of the polymer does not change when it is embedded in the matrix.     

Effects of substrate surfaces in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

For matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectra, undesirable ion contamination can occur due to the direct laser excitation of substrate materials (i.e., laser desorption/ionization (LDI)) if the samples do not completely cover the substrate surfaces. In this study, comparison is made of LDI processes on substrates of indium and silver, which easily emit their own ions upon laser irradiation, and conventional materials, stainless steel and gold. A simultaneous decrease of ion intensities with the number of laser pulses is observed as a common feature. By the application of an indium substrate to the MALDI mass spectrometry of alkali salts and alkylammonium salts mixed with matrices, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or N‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐butylaniline (MBBA), the mixing of LDI processes can be detected by the presence of indium ions in the mass spectra. This method has also been found to be useful for investigating the intrinsic properties of the MALDI matrices: DHB samples show an increase in the abundance of fragment ions of matrix molecules and cesium ions with the number of laser pulses irradiating the same sample spot; MBBA samples reveal a decrease in the level of background noise with an increase in the thickness of the sample layer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Copper(I) chloride: a simple salt for enhancement of polystyrene cationization in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

The possibility of using copper(I) chloride as a doping salt to enhance the cationization of polystyrene in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was investigated. It was shown that copper(I) chloride possesses sufficient solubility in tetrahydrofuran. The parameters of the MALDI mass spectra of different polystyrene samples, such as the number-average (M(n)) and mass-average (M(w)) molecular mass values, obtained by copper(I) cationization were compared with those obtained by means of silver(I) cationization, and good agreement was found. It was also shown that application of copper(I) chloride as a doping salt, and dithranol as a matrix, ensured good MALDI mass spectra of the sample spots even after storage for 1 month.     

Matrix-dependent cationization in MALDI mass spectrometry

The matrix dependence in cationization processes, the competition between cationization and protonation and the question of whether gas-phase cation transfer or attachment of free cations dominates in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry were studied. Two different sample preparation methods were employed, the dried-droplet sample preparation and a mixture of solid matrix, analyte and salt. The latter ensures that the formation of cation adducts takes place in the gas phase. By monitoring the suppression of matrix signals for different matrices, it was found that matrices with high gas-phase metal ion binding energies require high analyte concentrations for matrix suppression to occur. By comparing the mass spectra obtained using sinapinic acid or sinapinic methyl ester as a matrix, a correlation between cationization and deprotonation of matrix molecules was found. It is also demonstrated that attachment of free gas-phase cations, rather than cation transfer from the cationized matrix, is the predominant process in cationization.     

Considerations involved with the use of semipermeable membrane devices for monitoring environmental contaminants

Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) are used with increasing frequency, and throughout the world as samplers of organic contaminants. The devices can be used to detect a variety of lipophilic chemicals in water, sediment/soil, and air. SPMDs are designed to sample nonpolar, hydrophobic chemicals. The maximum concentration factor achievable for a particular chemical is proportional to its octanol-water partition coefficient. Techniques used for cleanup of SPMD extracts for targeted analytes and for general screening by full-scan mass spectrometry do not differ greatly from techniques used for extracts of other matrices. However, SPMD extracts contain potential interferences that are specific to the membrane-lipid matrix. Procedures have been developed or modified to alleviate these potential interferences. The SPMD approach has been demonstrated to be applicable to sequestering and analyzing a wide array of environmental contaminants including organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans, selected organophosphate pesticides and pyrethroid insecticides, and other nonpolar organic chemicals. We present herein an overview of effective procedural steps for analyzing exposed SPMDs for trace to ultra-trace levels of contaminants sequestered from environmental matrices.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis of lipids and high molecular weight hydrocarbons with lithium 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate matrix

Lithium 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (LiDHB) is shown to be a very effective matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis of nonpolar long-chain lipids, hydrocarbons and polymers. Under standard desorption and ionization conditions using a conventional nitrogen UV laser (337 nm), hydrocarbons (C(24)-C(40)), diverse lipids (triglycerides, diglycerides, wax esters from leaves) and saturated polymers are effectively lithiated providing [M+Li](+) ions. The formation of lithiated hydrocarbons is not accompanied by an elimination of hydrogen or other fragmentation reactions and, due to the relatively simple isotopic distribution of lithium, seems to be more useable for analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures than the previously used silver cationization agents. The mass calibration can be conveniently performed either externally or internally using poly(ethylene glycol) commercial standards.     

Investigation of metal attachment to polystyrenes in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization

Cationization is essential to the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric analysis of a variety of synthetic polymers. This work studied polystyrene cationization in MALDI using the salts of eight different metals. It was found that only the salts of silver, copper, and palladium produced good metal—polystyrene cation signals. More interestingly, it was observed that MALDI could also produce metal-rich cluster cations and that the presence of polystyrenes tended to suppress formation of the metal-rich cluster cations. Based on these results and others, we propose that polystyrene cationization may proceed through gas-phase metal attachment reactions under the conditions used. With this argument, we were able to better explain a reported experimental observation that showed a strong cation concentration effect on measured molecular weight distributions of polystyrenes.     

Electrospray droplet impact/secondary ion mass spectrometry (EDI/SIMS) for silver halides

Electrospray droplet imact/secondary ion mass spectrometry (EDI/SIMS) was applied to many materials such as synthetic polymers, metals, semiconductors, and biological tissues. Little surface modification was observed for these samples by in situ XPS analysis. In this work, silver halides AgX (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) were examined by EDI/SIMS. The preferential etching of F for AgF was observed for the first time. This is due to the highly reactive F atoms generated at the colliding interface that are quickly annihilated by the reaction with water molecules. The selective etching of fluorine results in the enrichment of silver on the sample surface leading to the abundant Ag⁺ ion formation. It was suggested that metal fluorides may be useful as the cationization matrices in EDI/SIMS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lithium and transition metal ions enable low energy collision-induced dissociation of polyglycols in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry has the potential to be widely used as a tool for polymer structural characterization. However, the backbones or molecular chains of many industrial polymers including functional polyglycols are often difficult to dissociate in tandem mass spectrometers using low energy collision-induced dissociation (CID). We present a method that uses Li+ and transition metal ions such as Ag+ as the cationization reagents for electrospray ionization in an ion trap mass spectrometer. It is shown that lithium and transition metal polyglycol adduct ions can be readily fragmented with low energy CID. Comparative results from different cationization reagents in their abilities of producing both MS spectra and CID spectra are shown. This method opens the possibility of using conventional and readily available low energy CID tandem MS to study polyglycol structures.     

Field desorption mass spectrometry of oligosaccharides in the presence of metallic salts

In the field desorption mass spectrometry of oligosaccharides, traces of contaminating salts in polar solvents decrease the detection sensitivity, and in some cases no ion could be detected in the molecular range. The present work shows that the addition of alkaline salts (NaI or KI) greatly increases the sensitivity, and cationized molecular ions are obtained. The influence of the molar ratio sugar/salt on the nature and relative intensity of the desorbed species has been studied on mixtures of α-D -trehalose and NaI. At the low salt ratio (100:1), high molecular weight clusters [X M + Na]⁺ are preferentially formed. At the high salt ratio (1:10), mixed clusters [M + NaI + Na]⁺, doubly charged ions [M + 2Na]²⁺ and monomeric cationized ions [M + Na]⁺ are observed along with salt clusters [NaI + Na]⁺ and [2NaI + Na]⁺. In the range of molar ratios sugar/salt of 10:1 to 1:1, the field desorption mass spectra exhibit a cationized ion [M + Na]⁺, which contributes more than 80% of Σ₁₀₀. This cationization technique has been applied to the field desorption mass spectrometry of several oligosaccharides. In all cases, the salt effect causes the replacement of the [M + H]⁺ ion by a [M + C]⁺ ion. (Note: the term [M + C]⁺ and similar ones mean an association between the whole molecule studied (M) and an alkaline cation [C]⁺ ([K)]⁺, [Na]⁺, [Li]⁺).) Thus, di, tri- and tetrasaccharides exhibit intense [M + Na]⁺ ions in the presence of NaI and only a few fragment peaks are observed in their field desorption mass spectra. This technique has been applied successfully to the detection of the hexasaccharide ajugose in a natural sample of pentasaccharide, and has also allowed the unambiguous determination of the composition of a mixture of partially methylated trehaloses. The salt effects are dicussed in terms of selective adsorption on the emitter, pre-existing soluble complexes sugar-salt, interactions between these species in the electric field and dissociative desorption of ionic complexes.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry studies of low molecular weight dendrimers

We report the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry, with delayed extraction in the reflectron mode, for the characterization of low molecular weight dendrimers. 20 dendrimer samples were measured and 4 typical dendrimers, as examples, are discussed in detail. Several factors that affect the analysis including the matrices used, the concentrations of sample, the solvents and cationization reagent used, were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicate that the type of solvent can greatly influence exact mass measurement. However, sample preparation is generally not very critical for dendrimer analysis using MALDI-ToF since many kinds of matrices and a wide range of sample concentrations can be used efficiently. In addition, the Cs(+) ion can be used to enhance the efficiency of cationization. Some reasons for this behavior are discussed on the basis of results of calculations using Gaussian94 software (a connected system of programs for performing a variety of semi-empirical and ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations).     

3-(1,3-dioxobutan-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one in reactions with electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents

Reactions of 3-(1,3-dioxobut-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one with electrophilic (boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and phosphorus pentachloride) and nucleophilic (phosphorus pentasulfide and hydrogen sulfide) compounds have been studied. The reactions proceed mainly with the enol form of the substrate which is more stable both in polar and nonpolar solvents. The substrate ability to undergo aromatization into 4-oxopyranochromolium salts under action of electrophilic reagents and thionation at the oxo groups have been demonstrated. The suggested schemes of heterocyclization have been described. Possibility of in situ competitive formation of the hemiketal at the interaction with hydrogen sulfide in acidic medium has been found.     

Recent advances in immobilization of heteropolyacids

Freely water-soluble heteropolyacid could be made insoluble either by supporting on active carbon or by forming acidic cesium salts. In addition, 12-tungstophosphoric acid and its acidic cesium salt could be effectively immobilized in silica matrices by means of a sol-gel technique which involves the hydrolysis of ethyl orthosilicate to give insoluble, readily recoverable, and highly active solid acid catalysts for the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate.     

Matrix optimization for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of oligosaccharides from human milk

Neutral and acidic oligosaccharides from human milk were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS). These experiments require suitable matrices; their selection and particularly their preparation protocols must be optimized. Important criteria are sensitivity, reproducibility, tolerance against impurities and resolution over a wide mass range. For analytical investigations of these oligosaccharides, containing labile fucosylated and sialylated components, another property of a matrix becomes a significant factor, namely the influence on ion stability and the extent of (metastable) fragmentation. The experience gained with the MALDI/MS of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides is summarized taking into account different intentions of measurement and typical problems, such as impurities after enzymatic treatment. For a rapid screening of an oligosaccharide sample, superior results were obtained with a new preparation technique using 5-chloro-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (CMBT) as the first layer for 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. For structural analysis by post-source decay, CMBT as the first layer for 3-aminoquinoline is a favoured preparation protocol, because extensive fragmentation is achieved. For acidic oligosaccharides, a special preparation protocol makes it possible to determine the number of sialic acids by inducing highly effective cationization. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry; matrices; oligosaccharides; post-source decay.     

The Use Of Soft Acid Metal Salts Of Carboxylic Acids For Retention Of Hydrophilic Peptides In Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

The effect of various soft acid cation acetate salts on the retention of the peptides Phe-(Gly)_n, where n=1–4, and on phenylalanine, indicates a correlation between the softness character of the cation of the acetate salt used in the mobile phase and retention in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Inorganic soft acid cation salts did not exhibit the same increased retention properties. By using silver(I) valerate or silver(I) octanoate as ion-pairing reagents in the mobile phase for RP-HPLC, static retention of peptides was achieved.