Characterization of oxygen-linked glucuronides by laser desorption mass spectrometry

A laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer is used for structural confirmation of several acyl- and ether-linked glucuronides. Abundant molecular ion species are produced, as well as fragmentation reflecting both the molecular structure and the stability of the conjugates. The major ions are produced by cationization, and detection limits are as low as 1.6 ng (5.0 pmol).