title: Simple approach to derivatization of alcohols and phenols for the analysis by matrix(surface)-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Direct analysis of hydroxyl-containing compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) methods is not always possible due to the neutral character of analytes. The suggested fixed-charge derivatization may increase the ionization efficiency for various alcohols and phenols in specific matrix- and surface-activated LDI conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Aliphatic and steroid alcohols, as well as chlorophenols, were converted into various ammonioacetyl derivatives, containing a covalently bonded charged group, by reaction with bromoacetyl chloride and amine-type compounds such as triethylamine, pyridine or quinoline. The derivatives are suitable for MALDI-time-of-flight (TOF)MS analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Triethylammoniumacetyl, pyridyliumacetyl and quinoliniumacetyl derivatives were prepared from aliphatic alcohols, some sterols and chlorinated phenols in one stage with quantitative yields. The derivatives produced characteristic MALDI and SALDI mass spectra.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The suggested derivatization approach for the modification of alcohols is simple and does not require any expensive reagents. The derivatives include a fixed charge and produce intense signals in MALDI (preferentially non-acidic matrices) and matrix-free SALDI (nanostructured target) conditions. Corresponding mass spectra are suitable for the determination of molecular mass and profiling of alcohols.
authors.affiliation: A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 29, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Roman S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Borisov
authors.forename: Dmitrii I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Zhilyaev
authors.forename: Nikolai Yu
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Polovkov
authors.forename: Vladimir G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Zaikin