DERIVATIZATION OF DOUBLE-BONDS INVESTIGATED BY MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION IONIZATION MASS-SPECTROMETRY/

Hexatriacontane (C-36) was exposed to vacuum ultraviolet radiation. Th e formation of double bonds was investigated by derivatization, i.e. t hese olefinic structures were transformed by epoxidation in order to d etermine their number in the molecule. The extent of the reaction was determined by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mas s spectrometry. In order to confirm the results a model compound (squa lene) containing six double bonds was also investigated. As a result o f the derivatization an easier ionization of functionalized substances caused by an increase in their polarity was found. As a result, the s ample preparation was changed and the use of silver salts for a better ionization of non-polar alkanes could be avoided. (C) 1997 by John Wh ey & Sons, Ltd.