Oligosaccharide characterizations by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Fragmentation study in relation to the substituent at the reducing end

A systematic investigation of oligosaccharides (cello-oligosaccharides, malto-oligosaccharides, their corresponding alditols and methylmaltosides) was undertaken using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Experimental conditions were defined in order to obtain characteristic fragmentation in relation to the structure of the oligomers. The role of substituents at the reducing end in the fragmentation process was demonstrated.