Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer
Published on: November 26, 2013
Production and fragmentation of multiply charged ions in 'electron-free' matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
Vladimir Frankevich1, Juan Zhang, Maxim Dashtiev
1Department of Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Hönggerberg, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
An unusually large fraction of multiply charged ions is observed in 'electron-free' matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Here we investigate how the yield of multiply charged ions depends on experimental parameters in MALDI. It is found to increase if measures are taken to limit the number of electrons in the plume, for example, by using non-metallic MALDI targets or low laser pulse energies. The ionization energy of the matrix is another important parameter that affects the yield of multiply charged ions: matrices with high ionization energies lead to greater intensities of multiply charged ions. It is furthermore proposed that some of the fragment ions observed in MALDI are due to reactions of analyte with electrons in the plume. The possibility of electron capture dissociation of multiply charged ions produced by MALDI is shown.
More Related Videos
06:56Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 10, 2018
07:12An Efficient Sample Preparation Method to Enhance Carbohydrate Ion Signals in Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 29, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Fragmentation Overview
One type of fragmentation pattern is the cleavage of a single bond in the molecular ion. The cleavage leads to a radical and a cation. The cleavage can occur at...
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrum: Interpretation
Mass Spectrometers
Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry