Field desorption mass spectrometry of anthracyclines comparison with other soft ionization techniques

Abstract

Field desorption mass spectral data relative to 38 anthracycline derivatives are presented. A molecular ion, or [MH]+ ion is always present; in most cases it is the base peak in the spectrum at the best anode temperature. Increase in the emitter temperature promotes fragmentation which gives useful structural information. A comparison has been made between field desorption and other soft ionization techniques such as fast atom bombardment, desorption chemical ionization and a liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric interface with direct liquid introduction into a chemical ionization ion source. The most significant results were obtained by using positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment and direct liquid introduction with negative ion detection.