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Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 10, 2018
Characterization of unknown compounds from stainless steel plates in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass
Hyo-Jik Yang1, Kyu Hwan Park, Hyun Sik Kim
1Department of Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Peaks originating from unknown compounds on stainless steel plates used in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometers are observed around m/z 304.3, 332.3, 360.4, and 388.4 regardless of the matrix and/or solvent, and are even observed with bare plates. These peaks were characterized using three different types of MALDI-MS instrumentation: MALDI-TOF MS, MALDI-TOF/TOF MS, and MALDI-FTMS. The fragmentation data from MALDI-TOF/TOF MS and accurate mass determination by MALDI-FTMS enabled identification of the chemical formulae and structures. The unknown compounds are, in fact, likely benzylalkylmethylammonium salts, as confirmed by closely matching fragmentation patterns with a commercially available benzalkonium chloride.
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