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Derivatization for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. 3. Electrochemically ionizable derivatives
G J Van Berkel1, J M Quirke, R A Tigani
1Chemical and Analytical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee 37831-6365, USA. vanberkelgj@ornl.gov
Analytical Chemistry
|May 7, 1998
Summary
Ferrocene derivatives enable selective ionization for enhanced electrochemistry-mass spectrometry (EC-MS) analysis of alcohols. This method improves detection in complex mixtures like plant extracts.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ES-MS) is a powerful analytical technique.
- Selective ionization is crucial for analyzing complex mixtures.
- Ferrocene derivatives offer unique electrochemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore ferrocene-based electrochemically ionizable derivatives for enhanced ES-MS.
- To improve the selective detection of alcohols, sterols, and phenols.
- To demonstrate the utility in analyzing real-world samples.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ferrocenecarbamate ester and ferroceneboronate derivatives.
- Electrochemical characterization of the derivatives.
- Optimization of ES-MS parameters for electrochemical ionization.
- Tandem mass spectrometry for derivative confirmation and structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Ferrocene derivatives facilitate selective ionization via electrolysis in the ES ion source.
- Enhanced gas-phase detection and improved signal-to-noise ratios were achieved.
- Tandem MS provided confirmation of derivatives and structural information.
- Successful selective detection of alcohols in a saw palmetto extract.
Conclusions:
- Ferrocene-based derivatization is an effective strategy for enhancing ES-MS analysis.
- This approach offers improved selectivity and sensitivity for target analytes.
- The method is applicable to the analysis of complex natural product mixtures.