Small molecule matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using a polymer matrix.

We have employed a light-absorbing electrically conductive polymer as a matrix to determine the molecular mass of small organic molecules using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. This method, which is in contrast to the usual MALDI strategy for matrix selection in which a small molecule matrix is used with a high molecular mass analyte, addresses the problem of matrix interference which limits the usefulness of MALDI-TOF for small molecule analysis. Use of negative ion mode offers advantages for this application. Using this approach, we have obtained clean molecular ion mass spectra of small organic molecules in the mass range 100-300 Da. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.