Characterization and sequencing of normal and modified oligonucleotides by 252Cf plasma desorption mass spectrometry.

Plasma desorption (PD) mass spectra of normal deoxyribo-oligonucleotides and of neutral methylphosphonate deoxyribo-oligonucleosides are examined and discussed. Molecular ions of oligonucleotides up to nonamer have been observed for neutral species. It is also shown that PD mass spectra can be used to monitor chemical modifications of oligonucleotides, such as the covalent binding of an organic fluorescent probe, along the synthesis process.