Probing molecular recognition by mass spectrometry

The use of mass spectrometry for the study of host-guest complexation and m olecular recognition involving either synthetic hosts or biological hosts h as been a growing area of research over the past decade. Mass spectrometry has allowed the first studies of host-guest chemistry in a solvent-free env ironment in which both size selectivity and electronic effects influence th e formation, reactions and stabilities of gas-phase host-guest complexes. A spects of solution equilibria, such as the determination of binding selecti vities of hosts and binding constants, may be examined by using electrospra y ionization to transfer noncovalent complexes from solution to the gas pha se for analysis. This article will review some of the highlights involving the application of mass spectrometry for solving problems in the area of mo lecular recognition. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.