The analyses of six common vitamins by laser desorption mass spectroscopy

The ability to obtain molecular fragmentation patterns at localized (microprobe level) sites would be of great aid to analytical biochemists in mapping the sites, and thus deducing the many functions of bioorganic species, such as vitamins. Laser desorption mass spectroscopy has this ability to provide molecular fragmentation patterns at the microprobe level. In this preliminary study, six common vitamins--ascorbic acid, retinoic acid, pyridoxine monohydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamine hydrochloride, and cholecalciferol--are analyzed as pure compounds by laser desorption mass spectroscopy. Spectra and commentary about the fragmentation patterns for all six vitamins are included.