Title

Fragmentation of vitamin B12 in aerosol matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-1997

Abstract

Aerosol matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to study fragmentation of vitamin B12. Six MALDI matrices were used: 2,5-di-hydroxy benzoic acid (gentisic acid), 4-nitroaniline, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (sinapic acid), 3,4-di-hydroxy cinnamic acid (caffeic acid), trans-4-hydroxy- 3-methoxy cinnamic acid (ferulic acid), and α-cyano-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (4-HCCA). Mass spectra were obtained with a 355-nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser at irradiances between 0.1 and 5 GW/cm2 (between 3- and 150-mJ pulse energy). Loss of CN was a major product of prompt ion source fragmentation and the ratio of fragmented to intact analyte was found to be strongly dependent on matrix and weakly dependent on laser irradiance. Additionally, free cobalt ions and cobalt ions bound to small methanol clusters were observed in the mass spectra. The cobalt removal from the corrin ring of vitamin B12 results from direct photon absorption by vitamin B12, but is enhanced by the presence of matrix.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry

First Page

140

Last Page

147

This document is currently not available here.

COinS