Reaction dynamics and solution chemistry of polyoxometalates by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry both complements other analytical techniques and allows for types of analyses and experiments not possible with common analytical methods, such as NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Electrospray constitutes one of the mildest forms of ionization, making it the preferred method for the analysis of large fragile or reactive ions. There is particular promise for mass spectrometry in aiding the characterization of polyoxometalates and their solutions, but caution must be taken in designing the experiments in order to yield reliable data and to avoid the temptation of over-interpreting the relevance of gas-phase data to solution chemistry.