Modern mass spectrometry for coatings

For the analysis of polymers soft ionization mass spectrometry, in which only molecular ions are observed, can provide the complete distribution of chains (length, composition, end-groups) in under ten minutes on microgram quantities of material. Moreover, molecular ion information of neat organic pigments or those present in crosslinked networks can also be furnished. No other analytical technique can supply these data in such a short time. The application of mass spectrometry to the characterization of materials used in today's high performance automotive coatings is presented. These include functional monomers, several acrylic copolymers, organic pigments and an epoxide prepolymer. While there are a variety of mass spectrometric techniques, in this paper we will highlight the techniques that we have found useful for the characterization of organic coating components. The selection of the mass spectrometric technique is dictated by the molecular weight of the material and to a lesser extent the chemical composition. We used potassium ionization of desorbed species (K⁺IDS) performed on a quadrupole mass spectrometer for materials under 1000 Daltons (Da). However, many of the ingredients used in current automotive finishes fall between 1000 and 10 000 Da. For these materials we used a Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS) which is well suited for this mass range and boasts the highest resolution and mass accuracy available. Direct desorption/ionization using a carbon dioxide laser is our standard method of sample introduction. Recently, we coupled a gel permeation chromatograph to our FTMS using an electrospray ionization interface. This hyphenated technique offers one of the most powerful characterization methods for the coatings chemist.     

液相色谱-质谱联用法检测化妆品中添加的喹诺酮类药物

建立同时测定化妆品中的喹诺酮类抗生素(依诺沙星、氟罗沙星、氧氟沙星、诺氟沙星、培氟沙星、环丙沙星、恩诺沙星、沙拉沙星、双氟沙星、莫西沙星)的液相色谱-串联质谱法。方法样品以2%甲酸-乙腈(体积比15∶10)溶液超声提取,离心分离,以0.2%甲酸水-乙腈溶液为流动相,LCMS/MS测定喹诺酮类抗生素的含量。结果该方法的线性范围为1～50μg/g,相关系数>0.998,加标1～40μg/g时,回收率为84.3%～99.2%,RSD为0.5%～8.5%,检出限为0.1～0.2μg/kg。结论该方法灵敏、快速、准确,适用于化妆品中喹诺酮类抗生素的检测。     

Study on the aluminium chloride-modification for heavy fraction of light diesel oil using tandem mass spectrometry

Tandem mass spectrometry was used to follow the low temperature catalytic modification of the diesel oil heavy fraction in the presence of aluminium chloride. The molecular distribution from chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (c.i.m.s.) of raw feedstock ranges from 150 to 250, with an average molecular weight of 219 (v.p.o.). That of the finally modified pitch ranges from 200 to 800, mainly concentrated between 200 and 500 with v.p.o. molecular weight of 452. The m.s.-m.s. fragmentation analysis of three dominant, characteristic protonated parent ions m/z 207, 373, 385, showed ethyl phenanthrenes (-anthracenes), dimers from phenanthrene (anthracene) and C₁-phenanthrene with substantial naphthenic groups, dimers from C₁-phenanthrenes and copolymers from hexahydropyrene with phenanthrene, chrysene with C₂-naphthalene, etc., respectively, to be the main structural types of these parent mass numbers. This modified pitch material, with a characteristic low degree of condensation and extensive naphthenic structures proved to be suitable for transformation into mesophase pitch with high fluidity and a large domain-type anisotropic texture.     

Identification of the luciferin-luciferase system and quantification of coelenterazine by mass spectrometry in the deep-sea luminous ostracod Conchoecia pseudodiscophora

The bioluminescence system of the ostracod Conchoecia pseudodiscophora, which is abundant in the Sea of Japan, has been characterized. The luminescence (lambda(max)=463 nm) is produced by a luciferin-luciferase reaction, and the luciferin has been identified as coelenterazine. Coelenterazine, coelenteramide, and coelenteramine from C. pseudodiscophora were quantified by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The coelenterazine content was estimated to be approximately 230 pg per animal by using a calibration curve of synthetic coelenterazine. The reaction between homogenates of C. pseudodiscophora and synthetic coelenterazine showed luminescence activity; this suggests that a coelenterazine-type luciferase is present.     

Quantitation of alcohol ethoxylate surfactants in environmental samples by electrospray mass spectrometry

This report describes a method for obtaining the concentrations of the total and individual alcohol ethoxylate (AE) species in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents by using electrospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). This is a more advantageous method for quantitative analysis of AE in environmental matrices as compared with a previous thermospray LC/MS method. This new method is more sensitive, uses less solvents, utilizes a deuterated internal standard blend [C₁₃D₂₇O(CH₂CH₂O) _n H, where n varies from 0 to 21 with an average of n=9], which corresponds more closely to the AE, and it is a more robust instrumental technique. In this report, we document the results for validation of the electrospray LC/MS method by spike recovery of AE from STP effluent and influent samples.     

Heterogeneously assisted oxidation of adsorbates from carbonmonoxide, methanol and ethanol by hydrogen peroxide solutions on platinum electrodes in sulphuric acid

The influence of hydrogen peroxide on the adsorption and oxidation of carbon monoxide, methanol and ethanol adlayers on porous Pt electrodes were studied in 2 M sulphuric acid solution by means of cyclic voltammetry and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). The oxidation of adsorbed species is observed at electrode potentials far less negative than those required for electrochemical adsorbate oxidation. The oxidation by H₂O₂ is dependent on its concentration in solution, as well as on the adsorbates and their coverages. In all cases the isolated adlayers are oxidised by dissolved H₂O₂. However, the presence of H₂O₂ during adsorption partially inhibits adlayer formation from CH₃OH and C₂H₅OH, but avoids almost completely the adsorption of carbon monoxide. The removal of the residues from the surface by dissolved hydrogen peroxide probably occurs through O_ad species formed during the heterogeneous decomposition reaction of H₂O₂ on Pt.     

Molar mass distributions of polymers from size exclusion chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: Methods for comparison

Equations are presented for calculating molar mass averages and molar mass distributions from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) data and from size exclusion chromatography (SEC) data. The utility of polydispersity is examined as an indicator of the expectation of MALDI‐TOF MS mass discrimination effects. Cumulative distributions are found to be rich in information for comparing the two techniques and are easily obtained from both SEC and MALDI‐TOF MS data. Analyses of a series of narrow molar mass distribution poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) standards and one polydisperse sample have been performed with both methods. MALDI‐TOF MS did not detect dimer and trimer in the PMMA samples, and it often indicated lower amounts of high‐molar‐mass polymers than did SEC. The results showed that the distribution breadth, as evidenced by the standard deviation of the distribution (calculated from the polydispersity and number‐average molar mass), correlated well with the molar mass range observed in the MALDI‐TOF MS spectra, whereas the polydispersity alone did not. Ratioing the extremes in the molar mass concentrations measured with the SEC differential refractometer, which were necessary to adequately define molar mass distributions, showed that detector dynamic range values as high as approximately 370,000 were required for the polydisperse samples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 627–639, 2005     

Analytical conditions for field ionization mass spectrometry of diesel fuel

Field ionization mass spectrometry (FIMS) was investigated to establish a method for clarifying the compositions of hydrocarbons in diesel fuels. Firstly, the influences of reservoir temperature, ion source temperature, emitter current, cathode voltage and ion focusing mode on ion intensities and double bond equivalence value (DBE) distributions were examined to define the analytical conditions for obtaining almost the same carbon number distribution of n-paraffins (DBE=0) as that obtained by gas chromatography. Secondly, the origin of the memory background and the measures to minimize it were examined to obtain the ion intensities of high reproducibility. As a result, variation coefficients of less than 6.4 and 5.1% were obtained for the ion intensity of each hydrocarbon and the sums of the ion intensities of the hydrocarbons with the same DBE, respectively. Finally, two fuels, which were similar in H/C but considerably different in the backend fraction at a distillation temperature of 290 °C (R₂₉₀), were analyzed by FIMS established in this study, to explain the reasons why these fuels yielded nearly the same particulate emissions. FIMS results showed that a fuel with low R₂₉₀ consisted of low carbon number aliphatic hydrocarbons and high carbon number aromatic hydrocarbons, both of which have low inflammability. The fuel was found to yield more HC emission than another fuel with high R₂₉₀. The amount of the particulate emission was larger than that expected from R₂₉₀.     

土壤中微量元素的电感耦合等离子体质谱分析

建立了一种电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定土壤中微量元素的方法。利用该方法分析了标准物质(GBW 07401)中微量元素,其结果与标准值一致。该方法用于分析土壤样品中的微量元素,得到令人满意的结果。     

Multidimensional mass spectrometry methods for the structural characterization of cyclic polymers

Several synthetic methods have been developed for the tailored preparation of cyclic macromolecules due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Unequivocal characterization of the macrocyclic architectures has remained challenging, however, because isomeric linear structures often exist, or the spectral features of linear vs. cyclic chains are similar. To address this problem, multidimensional mass spectrometry (MS) techniques have been evaluated for the separation and identification of polymeric macrocycles. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS²) is found to be ideally suitable for the differentiation of linear and cyclic architectures whose molecular ions exhibit distinct fragmentation characteristics. Conversely, differences in macromolecular sizes and shapes can be exploited to identify the correct architecture by ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS). A third option, chromatographic separation (LC) before MS analysis, is available for the detection of cyclics in complex mixtures. The capabilities of these techniques and combinations thereof are demonstrated with specific covalent or supramolecular (co)polymers.     

Easy mass spectrometry for metabolomics and quality control of vegetable and animal fats

Easy ambient sonic spray ionization (EASI), a novel desorption/ionization technique for ambient mass spectrometry analysis, is shown to permit the characterization of different types of vegetable and animal fats. The taxonomic markers of the oils, mainly fatty acids and phenols, are extracted with methanol/water (1:1) solution and made alkaline with NH₄OH, then placed and dried on the surface of a glass tip and directly analyzed by EASI‐MS in the negative‐ion mode. EASI provides a supersonic cloud of charged droplets that causes efficient desorption and ionization of the oil markers directly from the surface of the glass tip. As proof‐of‐principle cases, EASI(?)‐MS was applied to genuine samples of olive oil, hazelnut oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, canola oil, butter, and lard. Characteristic metabolomics EASI(?)‐MS profiles of fatty acids and eventually phenols were obtained.     

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry investigation of epoxy resin curing behavior in real time

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and principal components analysis were used in real time to monitor the progress of curing reactions on the surface of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) epoxy resin blend reacted with the diamine hardener isophorone diamine at different time intervals. Molecular ions in the mass spectra that characterized the curing reactions steps, including blocking, coupling, branching, and crosslinking, were identified. The aliphatic hydrocarbon ions were correlated to the curing reaction rate, and this indicated that coupling and branching occurred much faster than the blocking and crosslinking curing reactions steps. The total conversion of the coupling and branching reaction steps were followed on the basis of changes with time in the relative ion intensity of molecular ions assigned to the DGEBA/DGEBF, aliphatic hydrocarbon, epoxide, and aromatic ring structures. Indicative measures of crosslinking density were monitored through the observation of changes in the ratio of the relative intensities of the aliphatic hydrocarbon and hydroxyl molecular ions over time. The curing reaction conversion was established by the observation of the changes in the relative ion intensity of the molecular ions that were related to the DGEBA/DGEBF molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

The expanding role of mass spectrometry in metabolite profiling and characterization

Mass spectrometry has a strong history in drug-metabolite analysis and has recently emerged as the foremost technology in endogenous metabolite research. The advantages of mass spectrometry include a wide dynamic range, the ability to observe a diverse number of molecular species, and reproducible quantitative analysis. These attributes are important in addressing the issue of metabolite profiling, as the dynamic range easily exceeds nine orders of magnitude in biofluids, and the diversity of species ranges from simple amino acids to lipids to complex carbohydrates. The goals of the application of mass spectrometry range from basic biochemistry to clinical biomarker discovery with challenges in generating a comprehensive profile, data analysis, and structurally characterizing physiologically important metabolites. The precedent for this work has already been set in neonatal screening, as blood samples from millions of neonates are tested routinely by mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool for inborn errors of metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the background from which contemporary metabolite research emerged, the techniques involved in this exciting area, and the current and future applications of this field.     

液相色谱-串联质谱法测定化妆品中多种激素

采用液相色谱-串联质谱法测定化妆品中糖皮质激素、雌激素、雄激素、孕激素等激素的含量。不同形态的化妆品样品以甲醇为提取剂进行超声提取,样品提取液离心后得到上清液经HLB固相萃取小柱净化,用Agilent ZORBAXEclipse XDB-C18柱(1.8μm,2.1 mm×50 mm),乙腈-水作为流动相,梯度洗脱,流速0.3 mL/min,柱温25℃,进样量2.0μL,糖皮质激素、雄激素、孕激素采用正离子扫描模式,雌激素采用负离子扫描模式,多反应监测测定。化妆品样品平均加标回收率为72.31%~97.89%,相对标准偏差为2.24%~11.34%,方法检出限为0.002 mg/kg~0.8 mg/kg。     

Analysis by mass spectrometry of the hydrolysis/condensation reaction of a trialkoxysilane in various dental monomer solutions

3‐Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was converted to silsesquioxane oligomers by hydrolysis/condensation in three dental monomer solutions. The molecular mass distribution and molecular structures of these oligomers was studied by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Each dental monomer imparted distinct characteristics on the oligomeric silsesquioxane produced. Ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) produced low‐mass oligomer silsesquioxanes that showed complete hydrolysis and a very high degree of intramolecular condensation (i.e., there were no methoxy and few silanol groups remaining on the oligomers). 1,6‐Bis(methacryloxy‐2‐ethoxycarbonylamino) 2,4,4‐trimethylhexane also produced fully hydrolyzed oligomeric silsesquioxanes but with twice the average molecular mass as the EBPADMA. Finally, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate produced higher mass oligomeric silsesquioxanes than EBPADMA even though it showed incomplete hydrolysis. The degree of hydrolysis increased with increasing mass, as did the degree of intramolecular condensation. Oligomers with degrees of polymerization below 8 were poorly hydrolyzed and showed little if any intramolecular condensation. Those with degrees of polymerization of 9 or greater were almost completely hydrolyzed with a high level of intramolecular condensation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1842–1847, 2006     

Methyldibenzothiophene isomer ratio in crude oils: Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis

The quantification of Methyldibenzothiophene isomers (MDBTs) is used in the geochemical characterization of crude oils. The relative ratio of these isomers can give useful information about the nature and the maturity of the source rock. This paper describes a novel analytical technique for the quantitative determination of MDBTs through triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Through the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan mode, it was possible to reach high selectivity for the MDBTs and their quantification was obtained without preliminary fractionation of the crude oil. In order to reduce the carryover of high boiling components, a recently developed backflush system in the GC program was applied. This novel protocol has been tested on sixteen samples of crude oil from different oil fields around the world. It was concluded to be more reliable than previously reported analytical methods based on selected ion monitoring (SIM) scan mode.     

电晕放电情况下苯生成吡啶的纸喷雾质谱研究

通过纸喷雾质谱技术对苯生成吡啶进行了研究,同时也对生成吡啶的不同影响因素进行了探讨,如不同溶剂、苯与甲醇不同比例、不同传输管温度、不同施加电压等。结果发现,以甲醇为溶剂,苯与甲醇溶剂以7:3混合,传输管温度在300℃,施加电压为4.5 kV时,吡啶的分子离子峰信号比较明显,杂质峰信号强度较低。通过这种电晕放电方法,可以为苯大批量生成吡啶寻求适宜的工艺条件。     

Application of methoxymercuration-demercuration followed by mass spectrometry as a convenient microanalytical technique for double-bond location in insect-derived alkenes

The positions of double bonds in olefins can be readily determined by a sodium borohydride reduction of their methoxymercuration products followed by mass spectrometry. Fragmentation of the methoxy derivative in the mass spectrometer results in cleavage on either side of the methoxy group to give intense fragment ions which are characteristic of each isomer. This simple and convenient microanalytical technique was applied to several synthetic standards and insect derived olefins, including the alkenes from the cuticular lipids of the honeybeeApis mellifera L.Mention of trade names or companies is solely to identify materials used and does not imply endorsement by the USDA.     

Photoelectron resonance capture ionization mass spectrometry of fatty acids in olive oil

Photoelectron resonance capture ionization (PERCI) mass spectrometry has been developed for the direct online analysis of organics, including lipids. Analysis is conducted without the need for sample preparation or chemical derivatization such as methylation, foregoing the use of harmful or toxic chemicals. PERCI is currently being adapted towards the analysis of edible oils. Herein, as a proof of principle of the simplicity and potential utility of this method towards the analysis of edible oils, we present the analysis of the prevalent fatty acids (FA) in Tuscan extra‐virgin olive oil along with triolein and linolenic acid (LNA) standards. Ionization of olive oil results in little fragmentation of the prevalent FA, which are measured as their molecular ions, [FA–H]^?. The relative concentrations of these FA determined by PERCI were in good agreement with established values. Further utility of PERCI was demonstrated by interrogation of ozonized LNA and olive oil, with 13 of the 18 anticipated products of the ozonolysis of LNA measured as their molecular anions, [M–H]^?. Similarly, the PERCI mass spectrum of ozonized olive oil showed all the anticipated ions of the predominant FA, oleic acid, as well as many molecular ions arising from less abundant unsaturated FA.