Selector for structural isomers of neutral molecules.
We have selected and spatially separated the two conformers of 3-aminophenol (C(6)H(7)NO) present in a molecular beam. Analogous to the separation of ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios in a quadrupole mass filter, the neutral conformers are separated based on their different mass-to-dipole-moment ratios in an ac electric quadrupole selector. For a given ac frequency, the individual conformers experience different focusing forces, resulting in different transmissions through the selector. These experiments demonstrate that conformer-selected samples of large molecules can be prepared, offering new possibilities for the study of gas-phase biomolecules.
Filsinger
Frank
F
Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
Erlekam
Undine
U
von Helden
Gert
G
Küpper
Jochen
J
Meijer
Gerard
G
D000627:Aminophenols / Q000737:chemistry*; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D005740:Gases; D007477:Ions; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods
D000627:Aminophenols; D001704:Biopolymers; D005740:Gases; D007477:Ions; C055528:3-aminophenol