Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Expression, Solubilization, and Purification of Eukaryotic Borate Transporters
Published on: March 7, 2019
Targeted borate complex formation as followed with electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass
Andras Gaspar1, Mourad Harir, Marianna Lucio
1Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Institute of Ecological Chemistry, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) was applied to identify boric acid(B degrees)/borate(B-) complexes in a monomolecular model system, composed of aqueous caffeic acid and boric acid/borate solutions in various concentration ratios at pH 9.2. Using negative mode electrospray ionization as a 'soft' ionization technique, clusters of polyborate were detected beside the well-known BL degrees , BL- and BL2- complexes. An algorithm for the detection of boron complexes, based on their accurate mass and isotope patterns, is proposed which enabled the assignment of elemental compositions/structural formulae of boron/ligand complexes. We present experimental evidence of self-oligomerization of up to six borate units with caffeic acid, resulting in stable covalently bound polyborate-polyol complexes.
Related Concept Videos
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Gravimetry: Inorganic And Organic Precipitating Agents

