Two-Dimensional Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Biopolymer Structural Analysis.

Biopolymer analysis, including proteomics and glycomics, relies heavily on the use of mass spectrometry for structural elucidation, including sequence determination. Novel methods to improve sample workup, instrument performance, and data analysis continue to be developed to address shortcomings associated with sample preparation, analysis time, data quality, and data interpretation. Here, we present a new method that couples in-source collision-induced dissociation (IS-CID) with two-dimensional tandem mass spectrometry (2D MS/MS) as a way to simplify proteomics and glycomics workflows while also providing additional insight into analyte structures over traditional MS/MS experiments.

Proton Affinities of Alkanes.

Chemical characterization of complex mixtures of large alkanes is critically important for many fields, including petroleomics and the development of renewable transportation fuels. Tandem mass spectrometry is the only analytical method that can be used to characterize such mixtures at the molecular level. Many ionization methods used in mass spectrometry involve proton transfer to the analyte.

Fragmentation of Saturated Hydrocarbons upon Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Is Caused by Proton-Transfer Reactions.

Chemical characterization of complex mixtures of large saturated hydrocarbons is critically important for numerous fields, including petroleomics and renewable transportation fuels, but difficult to achieve. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry has shown some promise in the analysis of saturated hydrocarbons. However, APCI causes extensive fragmentation to these compounds, which impedes its effectiveness.

Analyzing and Tuning the Chalcogen-Amine-Thiol Complexes for Tailoring of Chalcogenide Syntheses.

The amine-thiol solvent system has been used extensively to synthesize metal chalcogenide thin films and nanoparticles because of its ability to dissolve various metal and chalcogen precursors. While previous studies of this solvent system have focused on understanding the dissolution of metal precursors, here we provide an in-depth investigation of the dissolution of chalcogens, specifically Se and Te. Analytical techniques, including Raman, X-ray absorption, and NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, were used to identify pathways for Se and Te dissolution in butylamine-ethanethiol and ethylenediamine-ethanethiol solutions.