Scope and limitation of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry for testing the complexing behavior of two crown ethers derived from D-hexopyranosides

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Eur. J. Mass Spectrom. 8, 41 - 51 (2002)

Scope and limitation of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry for testing the complexing behavior of two crown ethers derived from D-hexopyranosides

Pierre-Jean Calba and Jean-François Muller
Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse et de Chimie Laser, 1 Bd Arago, Technopôle Metz 2000, F-57078 Metz cedex 3, France
Marie-Françoise Schmitt-Dubessy, Jean-Pierre Joly^* and Yves Chapleur
Groupe SUCRES, UMR 7565 CNRS, Université Henri Poincaré-Nancy I, CO 79, BP 239, F-54506 Vandoeuvre, France

ABSTRACT:

The complexing abilities of two macrocycles, namely a 18-C-6 crown ether (CE₁) and a 20-C-6 crown ether (CE₂) towards one organic guest [protonated phenethylamine (PEAH⁺)], were investigated with help of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Fourier transform mass spectrometry. A qualitative correlation between the complexation behavior of CE₁ in solution and in the gas phase of the spectrometer could be established. We concluded from these results that a fine control of laser irradiance and the use of a suitable sample protocol allowed the preservation of weak molecular interactions throughout the MALDI process. The observed positive ions can be considered as being already present in the deposited solid solution and merely liberated by the laser pulse.

Keywords: crown ethers, hostguest complexes, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, Fourier transform mass spectrometry, preformed ions

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