title: MALDI-TOFMS analysis of coordination and organometallic complexes: a nic(h)e area to work in.
abstract: A mini-review of the characterisation of metal-containing compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) is presented. Organometallic and coordination compounds have many varied applications, most notably in industrial catalytic processes and also in the electronics and healthcare sectors. In general, the compounds discussed, be they small or large molecules, have a high percentage metal content, rather than simply containing 'a metal atom'. A brief history of the field is given, but the main scope over the last 5 years is covered in some detail. How MALDI-TOFMS compliments electrospray for metal-containing compounds is highlighted. Perspectives on recent advances, such as solvent-free and air/moisture-sensitive sample preparation, and potential future challenges and developments, such as nanomaterials and metallodrug/metallometabolite imaging, are given.
authors: EPSRC National Mass Spectrometry Service Centre (NMSSC), Institute of Mass Spectrometry (IMS), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. m.f.wyatt@swansea.ac.uk
authors: Mark F
authors: MF
authors: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D056831:Coordination Complexes; D009942:Organometallic Compounds