Characterization of the chromophores of pyoverdins and related siderophores by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

Characteristic fragment ions of the various chromophores of the pyoverdin siderophore family obtained by collision activated dissociation of the [M+2H]2+ ions are reported allowing unambiguous identification. Tandem mass spectrometrical studies revealed the existence of the first example of a ferribactin with a succinamide side chain, and they add some information to the problem in which way a malic acid side chain is attached to the chromophore.