Work

Structure characterisation using thin-layer chromatography-MALDI MS and infrared ion spectroscopy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The integration of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) provides a fast workflow for the analysis of mixtures. Nevertheless, distinguishing isomers and the structural elucidation of unknown compounds remains challenging and resource intensive. Based on tandem mass spectrometry, infrared ion spectroscopy (IRIS) generates structurally diagnostic vibrational spectra for mass-selected ions confined within a mass spectrometer. By coupling IRIS to the TLC-MALDI-MS workflow, the IR spectra of molecules ionized directly from the TLC plate are obtained. In this study, we separated and identified three isomeric compounds in a mixture through sequential TLC separation, ionization, mass selection and characterization using IRIS. Furthermore, we demonstrate isomer-selective photofragmentation scans of the TLC plate along the axis of separation. This TLC-MALDI-IRIS approach represents a robust, sensitive, and versatile analytical method with broad applications in complex mixture analysis.

Source: International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2025.117512

Authors: Jelle L. Schuurman, Lara van Tetering, Giel Berden, Jos Oomens, Jonathan Martens

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, HFML-FELIX, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Spectroscopy

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,110

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek