title: Selective mass spectrometric analysis of thiols using charge-tagged disulfides.
abstract: A simple chemical derivatization technique was developed for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in which thiols and disulfides may be selectively analyzed in a complex matrix and easily characterized. These reagents enhance detection of thiols and disulfides solely due to the nature of the charge-tag derivatization agent and therefore does not require an isotopically labelled substrate. The charged disulfides readily and exclusively react with thiols in a complex matrix in a short amount of time. Furthermore, the synthesis of these reagents is simple and results in a highly pure and stable reagent. The efficacy of this reaction was demonstrated using on-line monitoring, while the scope and usefulness of the reaction was demonstrated in petroleum fractions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3065, Victoria, BC V8W3V6, Canada. mcindoe@uvic.ca.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Janusson
authors.forename: G Bryce
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: McGarvey
authors.forename: Farhana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Islam
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rowan
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: McIndoe