Reactions of microsolvated organic compounds at ambient surfaces: droplet velocity, charge state, and solvent effects

Characterizing Theta-Emitter Generation for Use in Microdroplet Reactions

Theta emitters are useful for generating microdroplets for rapid-mixing reactions. Theta emitters are glass tips containing an internal septum that separates two channels. When used for mixing, the solutions from each channel are sprayed with mixing occurring during electrospray ionization (ESI) with reaction times on the order of microseconds to milliseconds. Theta emitters of increasing size cause the formation of ESI droplets of increasing size, which require longer times for desolvation and increase droplet lifetimes. Droplets with longer lifetimes provide more time for mixing and allow for increased reaction times prior to desolvation. Because theta emitters are typically produced in-house, there is a need to consistently pull tips with a variety of sizes. Herein, we characterize the effect of pull parameters on the generation of distinct-sized theta emitters using a P-1000 tip puller. Of the examined parameters, the velocity value had the largest impact on the channel diameter. This work also compares the effect of pulling parameters between single-channel and theta capillaries to examine how the internal septum in theta capillaries affects tip pulling. We demonstrate the utility of using theta emitters with different sizes for establishing distinct reaction times. Finally, we offer suggestions on producing theta emitters of various sizes while maintaining high repeatability. Through this work, we provide resources to establish a versatile and inexpensive rapid-mixing system for probing biologically relevant systems and performing rapid derivatizations.

Degradation strategies for structural characterization of insoluble synthetic polymers by mass spectrometry

With the advent of soft ionization techniques such as electrospray (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) to produce intact gas-phase ions from nonvolatile macromolecules, mass spectrometry has become an essential technique in the field of polymeric materials. However, (co)polymers of very high molecular weight or with reticulated architectures still escape ESI or MALDI, mainly due to solubility issues. Strategies developed to tackle such an analytical challenge all rely on sample degradation to produce low-mass species amenable to existing ionization methods. Yet, chain degradation needs to be partial and controlled to generate sufficiently large species that still contain topological or architectural information. The present article reviews the different analytical degradation strategies implemented to perform mass spectrometry of these challenging synthetic polymers, covering thermal degradation approaches in sources developed in the 2000s, off-line sample pre-treatments for controlled chemical degradation of polymeric substrates, and most recent achievements employing reactive ionization modes to perform chemolysis on-line with MS.

Mobilized Electrospray Device for On-Tissue Chemical Derivatization in MALDI-MS Imaging

Applying solutions of a matrix or derivatization agent via microdroplets is a common sample preparation technique for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) experiments. Mobilized nebulizer sprayers are commonly used to create a homogeneous matrix or reagent layer across large surfaces. Electrospray devices have also been used to produce microdroplets for the same purpose but are rarely used for large tissues due to their immobility. Herein, we present a movable electrospray device that can be used for large tissue sample preparation through a simple modification to an automatic commercial nebulizer device. As demonstrated for on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) with Girard's reagent T using a mimetic tissue model, the sprayer has the additional benefit of being able to investigate reaction acceleration in OTCD when comparing electrostatically charged spray to electrostatically neutral spray. Finally, MALDI-MSI of fatty aldehydes is successfully demonstrated in rat brain tissues using this device for both OTCD and matrix application.

Sulfuric Acid Catalyzed Esterification of Amino Acids in Thin Film

The esterification reaction of different amino acids with methanol catalyzed by H2SO4 was first studied in the small volume of thin films generated by ESI microdroplet deposition. The reaction is promoted by the pneumatic spray of the ESI source and reaches its maximum efficiency at a thin film temperature of 70 °C. Selective esterification of the COOH moiety was demonstrated. Microdroplet size and thin film volume and lifetime are critical parameters that influenced the reaction outcome. As expected, l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine having aromatic side chain substituents were the most reactive amino acids, reaching absolute yields of around 40-50%. The amino acid esterification catalyzed by H2SO4 in a thin film occurs under synthetic conditions in which the same reaction in the bulk is not observed.

Intra-cluster Charge Migration upon Hydration of Protonated Formic Acid Revealed by Anharmonic Analysis of Cold Ion Vibrational Spectra

The rates of many chemical reactions are accelerated when carried out in micron-sized droplets, but the molecular origin of the rate acceleration remains unclear. One example is the condensation reaction of 1,2-diaminobenzene with formic acid to yield benzimidazole. The observed rate enhancements have been rationalized by invoking enhanced acidity at the surface of methanol solvent droplets with low water content to enable protonation of formic acid to generate a cationic species (protonated formic acid or PFA) formed by attachment of a proton to the neutral acid. Because PFA is the key feature in this reaction mechanism, vibrational spectra of cryogenically cooled, microhydrated PFA·(H2O)n=1-6 were acquired to determine how the extent of charge localization depends on the degree of hydration. Analysis of these highly anharmonic spectra with path integral ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveals the gradual displacement of the excess proton onto the water network in the microhydration regime at low temperatures with n = 3 as the tipping point for intra-cluster proton transfer.

Accelerated d-Fructose Acid-Catalyzed Reactions in Thin Films Formed by Charged Microdroplets Deposition

Thin films derived by the deposition of charged microdroplets generated in the ESI source of a mass spectrometer act as highly concentrated reaction vessels in which the final products of an ion-molecule reaction can be isolated by their precipitation onto a solid surface under ambient conditions. In this study, the ESI Z-spray source supplied to a Q-TOF Ultima mass spectrometer was used to investigate the d-fructose acid-catalyzed reactions by microdroplets deposition onto a stainless-steel target surface. High conversion ratios of d-fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfuraldehyde (5-HMF), 5-methoxymethylfuraldehyde (5-MMF), and difructrose anhydrides (DFAs) were obtained with HCl and KHSO₄ as metal-free catalysts by using synthetic conditions under which the same products in bulk are not formed. Furthermore, the reaction outcome was found to be highly sensitive to the catalyst and the solvent employed as well as to the ESI source parameters influencing the thin film formation from microdroplets deposition onto the solid surface.

In-Source Microdroplet Derivatization Using Coaxial Contained-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry for Enhanced Sensitivity in Saccharide Analysis

Online, droplet-based in-source chemical derivatization is accomplished using a coaxial-flow contained-electrospray ionization (contained-ESI) source to enhance sensitivity for the mass spectrometric analysis of saccharides. Derivatization is completed in microseconds by exploiting the reaction rate acceleration afforded by electrospray microdroplets. Significant improvements in method sensitivity are realized with minimal sample preparation and few resources when compared to traditional benchtop derivatizations. For this work, the formation of easily ionizable phenylboronate ester derivatives of several mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides is achieved. Various reaction parameters including concentration and pH were evaluated, and a Design of Experiments approach was used to optimize ion source parameters. Signal enhancements of greater than two orders of magnitude were observed for many mono- and disaccharides using in-source phenylboronic acid derivatization, resulting in parts-per-trillion (picomolar) limits of detection. In addition, amino sugars such as glucosamine, which do not ionize in negative mode, were detected at low parts-per-billion concentrations, and isobaric sugars such as lactose and sucrose were easily distinguished. The new in-source derivatization approach can be employed to expand the utility of ESI-MS analysis for compounds that historically experience limited sensitivity and detectability, while avoiding resource-intensive, bulk-phase derivatization procedures.

Ammonium Bicarbonate Significantly Accelerates the Microdroplet Reactions of Amines with Carbon Dioxide

The reactions between amines and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are among the most commonly used and important carbon fixation reactions at present. Microdroplets generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) have been proved to increase the conversion ratio (R_C) of amines. In this work, we confirmed that the presence of ammonium bicarbonate (NH₄HCO₃) in ESI microdroplets significantly increased the R_C of amines. The R_C went up remarkably with the increase in the concentration of NH₄HCO₃ from 0.5 to 20 mM. The R_C of N,N-dibutyl-1,3-propanediamine (DBPA) reached 93.7% under 20 mM NH₄HCO₃, which was significantly higher than previous reports. The rise in R_C became insignificant when the concentration of NH₄HCO₃ was increased beyond 20 mM. Further investigations were made on the mechanism of the phenomenon. According to the results, it was suggested that NH₄HCO₃ decomposed into CO₂ and formed microbubbles within the microdroplets of ESI. The microbubbles acted as direct internal CO₂ sources. The conversion reactions occurred at the liquid-gas interface. The formation of CO₂ microbubbles remarkably increased the total area of the interface, thus promoting the conversion reactions. ¹³C-labeled experiments confirmed that NH₄HCO₃ acted as an internal CO₂ source. Factors that influenced the R_C of the reaction were optimized. Pure water was proved to be the optimal solvent. Lower temperature of the mass spectrometer's entrance capillary was beneficial to the stabilization of the product carbamic acids. The sample flow rate of ESI was crucial to the R_C. It determined the initial sizes of the microdroplet. Lower flow rates ensured higher R_C of amines. The present work implied that NH₄HCO₃ could be a superior medium for CO₂ capture and utilization. It might offer an alternative choice for future CO₂ conversion research studies. In addition, our study also provided evidence that NH₄HCO₃ decomposed and generated microbubbles in the droplets during ESI. Attention should be paid to this when using NH₄HCO₃ as an additive in mass spectrometry-based analysis.

Electrospray deposition for single nanoparticle studies

Single entity electrochemical (SEE) studies that can probe activities and heterogeneity in activities at nanoscale require samples that contain single and isolated particles. Single, isolated nanoparticles are achieved here with electrospray deposition of colloidal nanoparticle solutions, with simple instrumentation. Role of three electrospray (ES) parameters, viz. spray distance (emitter tip-to-substrate distance), ES current and emitter tip diameter, in the ES deposition of single Au nano-octahedra (Au ODs) is examined. The ES deposition of single, isolated Au ODs are analyzed in terms of percentage of single NPs and local surface density of deposition. The local surface density of ES deposition of single Au ODs was found to increase with decrease in spray distance and emitter tip diameter, and increase in ES current. While the percentage of single particle ES deposition increased with increase in spray distance and decrease in emitter tip size. No significant change in the single Au ODs ES deposition percentage was observed with change in ES current values included in this study. The most favourable conditions in the ES deposition of Au ODs in this study resulted in the local surface density of 0.26 ± 0.05 single particles per μm² and observation of 96.3% single Au OD deposition.

p-Aminobenzoic acid protonation dynamics in an evaporating droplet by ab initio molecular dynamics

Protonation equilibria are known to vary from the bulk to microdroplet conditions, which could induce many chemical and physical phenomena. Protonated p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA + H⁺) can be considered a model for probing the protonation dynamics in an evaporating droplet, as its protonation equilibrium is highly dependent on the formation conditions from solution via atmospheric pressure ionization sources. Experiments using diverse experimental techniques have shown that protic solvents allow formation of the O-protomer (PABA protonated in the carboxylic acid group) stable in the gas phase, while aprotic solvents yield the N-protomer (protonated in the amino group) that is the most stable protomer in solution. In this work, we explore the protonation equilibrium of PABA solvated by different numbers of water molecules (n = 0 to 32) using ab initio molecular dynamics. For n = 8-32, the protonation is either at the NH₂ group or in the solvent network. The solvent network interacts with the carboxylic acid group, but there is no complete proton transfer to form the O-protomer. For smaller clusters, however, solvent-mediated proton transfers to the carboxylic acid were observed, both via the Grotthuss mechanism and the vehicle or shuttle mechanism (for n = 1 and 2). Thermodynamic considerations allowed a description of the origins of the kinetic trapping effect, which explains the observation of the solution structure in the gas phase. This effect likely occurs in the final evaporation steps, which are outside the droplet size range covered by previous classical molecular dynamics simulations of charged droplets. These results may be considered relevant in determining the nature of the species observed in the ubiquitous ESI based mass spectrometry analysis, and in general for droplet chemistry, explaining how protonation equilibria are drastically changed from bulk to microdroplet conditions.

Reactive Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry To Determine Intrinsic Degradability of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Chains

Because of its speed, sensitivity, and ability to scrutinize individual species, mass spectrometry (MS) has become an essential tool in analytical strategies aimed at studying the degradation behavior of polyesters. MS analyses can be performed prior to the degradation event for structural characterization of initial substrates or after it has occurred to measure the decreasing size of products as a function of time. Here, we show that MS can also be usefully employed during the degradation process by online monitoring the chain solvolysis induced by reactive desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). Cleavage of ester bonds in random copolymers of lactic acid (LA) and glycolic acid (GA) was achieved by electrospraying methanol-containing NaOH onto the substrates. Experimental conditions were optimized to generate methanolysis products of high abundance so that mass spectra can be conveniently processed using Kendrick-based approaches. The same reactive-DESI performance was demonstrated for two sample preparations, solvent casting for soluble samples or pressed pellets for highly crystalline substrates, permitting to compare polymers with LA/GA ratios ranging from 100/0 to 5/95. Analysis of sample fractions collected by size exclusion chromatography showed that methanolysis occurs independently of the original chain size, so data recorded for poly(LA-co-GA) (PLAGA) copolymers with the average molecular weight ranging from 10 to 180 kDa could be safely compared. The average mass of methanolysis products was observed to decrease linearly (R² = 0.9900) as the GA content increases in PLAGA substrates, consistent with the susceptibility of ester bonds toward solvolysis being higher in GA than in LA. Because DESI only explores the surface of solids, these data do not reflect bulk degradability of the copolymers but, instead, their relative degradability at the molecular level. Based on a "reactive-DESI degradability scale" such as that established here for PLAGA, the proposed method offers interesting perspectives to qualify intrinsic degradability of different polyesters and evaluate their erosion susceptibility or to determine the degradability of those polymers known to degrade via erosion only.

Characterizing Multidevice Capillary Vibrating Sharp-Edge Spray Ionization for In-Droplet Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange to Enhance Compound Identification

Multidevice capillary vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (cVSSI) source parameters have been examined to determine their effects on conducting in-droplet hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) experiments. Control experiments using select compounds indicate that the observed differences in mass spectral isotopic distributions obtained upon initiation of HDX result primarily from solution-phase reactions as opposed to gas-phase exchange. Preliminary studies have determined that robust HDX can only be achieved with the application of same-polarity voltage to both the analyte and the deuterium oxide reagent (D₂O) cVSSI devices. Additionally, a similar HDX reactivity dependence on the voltage applied to the D₂O device for various analytes is observed. Analyte and reagent flow experiments show that, for the multidevice cVSSI setup employed, there is a nonlinear dependence on the D₂O reagent flow rate; increasing the D₂O reagent flow by 100% results in only an ∼10-20% increase in deuterium incorporation for this setup. Instantaneous (subsecond) response times have been demonstrated in the initiation or termination of HDX, which is achieved by turning on or off the reagent cVSSI device piezoelectric transducer. The ability to distinguish isomeric species by in-droplet HDX is presented. Finally, a demonstration of a three-component cVSSI device setup to perform multiple (successive or in combination) in-droplet chemistries to enhance compound ionization and identification is presented and a hypothetical metabolomics workflow consisting of successive multidevice activation is briefly discussed.

Reaction acceleration at air-solution interfaces: Anisotropic rate constants for Katritzky transamination

To disentangle the factors controlling the rates of accelerated reactions in droplets, we used mass spectrometry to study the Katritzky transamination in levitated Leidenfrost droplets of different yet constant volumes over a range of concentrations while holding concentration constant by adding back the evaporated solvent. The set of concentration and droplet volume data indicates that the reaction rate in the surface region is much higher than that in the interior. These same effects of concentration and volume were also seen in bulk solutions. Three pyrylium reagents with different surface activity showed differences in transamination reactivity. The conclusion is drawn that reactions with surface-active reactants are subject to greater acceleration, as seen particularly at lower concentrations in systems of higher surface-to-volume ratios. These results highlight the key role that air-solution interfaces play in Katritzky reaction acceleration. They are also consistent with the view that reaction-increased rate constant is at least in part due to limited solvation of reagents at the interface.

Monoacylation of Symmetrical Diamines in Charge Microdroplets

Monoacylation of symmetrical diamine is achieved when the primary α,ω-diamines (carbon numbers n = 3, 5 and 12) are diluted in ethyl acetate, and the resultant mixture is electrosprayed across a 10 mm distance in ambient air toward a mass spectrometer. The N-acylated product is formed in charged microdroplets without acidifying and activating agents and in the absence of heat. This result provided an insight into the orientation of the amines in the droplets, suggesting that the ester is activated to react with the amine at the droplet surface due to the high abundance of protons at the air-droplet interface.

Accelerated nucleophilic substitution reactions of dansyl chloride with aniline under ambient conditions via dual-tip reactive paper spray

Paper spray ionization (PSI) mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging tool for ambient reaction monitoring via microdroplet reaction acceleration. PSI-MS was used to accelerate and monitor the time course of the reaction of dansyl chloride with aniline, in acetonitrile, to produce dansyl aniline. Three distinct PSI arrangements were explored in this study representing alternative approaches for sample loading and interaction; conventional single tip as well as two novel setups, a dual-tip and a co-axial arrangement were designed so as to limit any on-paper interaction between reagents. The effect on product abundance was investigated using these different paper configurations as it relates to the time course and distance of microdroplet travel. It was observed that product yield increases at a given distance and then decreases thereafter for all PSI configurations. The fluorescent property of the product (dansyl aniline) was used to visually inspect the reaction progress on the paper substrate during the spraying process. Amongst the variety of sample loading methods the novel dual-tip arrangement showed an increased product yield and microdroplet density, whilst avoiding any on-paper interaction between the reagents.

Molecular reactions at aqueous interfaces

This Review aims to critically analyse the emerging field of chemical reactivity at aqueous interfaces. The subject has evolved rapidly since the discovery of the so-called 'on-water catalysis', alluding to the dramatic acceleration of reactions at the surface of water or at its interface with hydrophobic media. We review critical experimental studies in the fields of atmospheric and synthetic organic chemistry, as well as related research exploring the origins of life, to showcase the importance of this phenomenon. The physico-chemical aspects of these processes, such as the structure, dynamics and thermodynamics of adsorption and solvation processes at aqueous interfaces, are also discussed. We also present the basic theories intended to explain interface catalysis, followed by the results of advanced ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. Although some topics addressed here have already been the focus of previous reviews, we aim at highlighting their interconnection across diverse disciplines, providing a common perspective that would help us to identify the most fundamental issues still incompletely understood in this fast-moving field.

Accelerated microdroplet synthesis of benzimidazoles by nucleophilic addition to protonated carboxylic acids

We report a metal-free novel route for the accelerated synthesis of benzimidazole and its derivatives in the ambient atmosphere. The synthetic procedure involves 1,2-aromatic diamines and alkyl or aryl carboxylic acids reacting in electrostatically charged microdroplets generated using a nano-electrospray (nESI) ion source. The reactions are accelerated by orders of magnitude in comparison to the bulk. No other acid, base or catalyst is used. Online analysis of the microdroplet accelerated reaction products is performed by mass spectrometry. We provide evidence for an acid catalyzed reaction mechanism based on identification of the intermediate arylamides. Their dehydration to give benzimidazoles occurs in a subsequent thermally enhanced step. It is suggested that the extraordinary acidity at the droplet surface allows the carboxylic acid to function as a C-centered electrophile. Comparisons of this methodology with data from thin film and bulk synthesis lead to the proposal of three key steps in the reaction: (i) formation of an unusual reagent (protonated carboxylic acid) because of the extraordinary conditions at the droplet interface, (ii) accelerated bimolecular reaction because of limited solvation at the interface and (iii) thermally assisted elimination of water. Eleven examples are shown as evidence of the scope of this chemistry. The accelerated synthesis has been scaled-up to establish the substituent-dependence and to isolate products for NMR characterization.

Spray Mechanism of Contained-Electrospray Ionization

Analytical characteristics of contained electrospray ionization (ESI) are summarized in terms of its potential to modify the analyte solution during the stages of droplet formation to provide opportunities to generate native versus denatured biomolecular gas-phase ions, without the need for bulk-phase analyte modifications. The real-time modification of the charged microdroplets occurs in a cavity that is included in the outlet of the contained-ESI ion source. Close examination of the inside of the cavity using a high-speed camera revealed the formation of discrete droplets as well as thin liquid films in the droplets wake. When operated at 20 psi N₂ pressure, the droplets were observed to move at an average speed of 8 mm/s providing ∼1 s mixing time in a 10 mm cavity length. Evidence is provided for the presence of highly reactive charged droplets based on myoglobin charge state distribution, apo-myoglobin contents, and ion mobility drift time profiles under different spray conditions. Mechanistic insights for the capture of vapor-phase reagents and droplet dynamics as influenced by different operational modes are also described.

Localization of sterols and oxysterols in mouse brain reveals distinct spatial cholesterol metabolism

The brain is a remarkably complex organ and cholesterol homeostasis underpins brain function. It is known that cholesterol is not evenly distributed across different brain regions; however, the precise map of cholesterol metabolism in the brain remains unclear. If cholesterol metabolism is to be correlated with brain function it is essential to generate such a map. Here we describe an advanced mass spectrometry platform to reveal spatial cholesterol metabolism in situ at 400-µm spot diameter on 10-µm tissue slices from mouse brain. We mapped, not only cholesterol, but also other biologically active sterols arising from cholesterol turnover in both wild type and mice lacking cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1), the major cholesterol metabolizing enzyme.

Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is implicated in a number of neurological disorders. Many sterols, including cholesterol and its precursors and metabolites, are biologically active and important for proper brain function. However, spatial cholesterol metabolism in brain and the resulting sterol distributions are poorly defined. To better understand cholesterol metabolism in situ across the complex functional regions of brain, we have developed on-tissue enzyme-assisted derivatization in combination with microliquid extraction for surface analysis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to locate sterols in tissue slices (10 µm) of mouse brain. The method provides sterolomic analysis at 400-µm spot diameter with a limit of quantification of 0.01 ng/mm². It overcomes the limitations of previous mass spectrometry imaging techniques in analysis of low-abundance and difficult-to-ionize sterol molecules, allowing isomer differentiation and structure identification. Here we demonstrate the spatial distribution and quantification of multiple sterols involved in cholesterol metabolic pathways in wild-type and cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase knockout mouse brain. The technology described provides a powerful tool for future studies of spatial cholesterol metabolism in healthy and diseased tissues.

Droplet Imbibition Enables Nonequilibrium Interfacial Reactions in Charged Microdroplets

A droplet imbibition experiment is proposed to study interfacial effects, which appears to be the main factor influencing reaction acceleration in charged microdroplets produced by electrospray ionization (ESI). One reagent is deposited onto the surface of rapidly moving microdroplets containing the second reagent to be reacted. In this manner, reactions are hindered from reaching equilibrium and monitored in real time by mass spectrometry. We demonstrated this phenomenon using Katritzky chemistry, which is known to proceed either by the solvent-stabilized 2H-pyran intermediate or via the surface-active pseudobase intermediate. Comparisons with reactions performed using ESI show obvious surface effects in favor of the droplet imbibition experiment. By keeping reactant mole ratio constant, it was demonstrated that similar interfacial effects observed in the droplet imbibition experiment can be reached by allowing ESI microdroplets containing premixed reagents to traverse a distance >16 mm. At such spray distance, molecular diffusion and droplet lifetime become comparable allowing reactants to be enriched at droplet surface. Reactions were also conducted in rapid mixing, theta capillary-based droplets, which showed markedly reduced yields compared with the interfacial droplet imbibition experiment.

Toward Mass Spectrometry Imaging in the Metabolomics Scale: Increasing Metabolic Coverage Through Multiple On-Tissue Chemical Modifications

Exploring the metabolic differences directly on tissues is essential for the comprehensive understanding of how multicellular organisms function. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an attractive technique toward this goal; however, MSI in metabolomics scale has been hindered by multiple limitations. This is most notable for single cell level high-spatial resolution imaging because of the limited number of molecules in small sampling size and the low ionization yields of many metabolites. Several on-tissue chemical derivatization approaches have been reported to increase MSI signals of targeted compounds, especially in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI. Herein, we adopt a combination of chemical derivatization reactions, to selectively enhance metabolite signals of a specific functional group for each consecutive tissue section. Three well-known on-tissue derivatization methods were used as a proof of concept experiment: coniferyl aldehyde for primary amines, Girard's reagent T for carbonyl groups, and 2-picolylamine for carboxylic acids. This strategy was applied to the cross-sections of leaves and roots from two different maize genotypes (B73 and Mo17), and enabled the detection of over six hundred new unique metabolite features compared to without modification. Statistical analysis indicated quantitative variation between metabolites in the tissue sections, while MS images revealed differences in localization of these metabolites. Combined, this untargeted approach facilitated the visualization of various classes of compounds, demonstrating the potential for untargeted MSI in the metabolomics scale.

A microdroplet-accelerated Biginelli reaction: mechanisms and separation of isomers using IMS-MS

Electrospray ionization (ESI) combined with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques is used to examine the Biginelli reaction in an ensemble of ions generated from droplets. We find evidence for rapid dihydropyrimidinone formation from condensation of ethyl acetoacetate, benzaldehyde, and urea on the very short timescales associated with the electrospray process (∼10 μs to ∼1.0 ms). Control bulk-solution reactions show no product formation even after several days. This implies that the in-droplet reaction rate is enhanced by an astonishing factor. Examination of the reaction conditions and characterization of the intermediates en route to product shows evidence for variations in the reaction mechanism. IMS separation shows that the Knoevenagel condensation intermediate from benzaldehyde and ethyl acetoacetate exists as both the cis- and trans-isomer, in a ∼5 to 1 ratio. We suggest that the dramatic acceleration arises because of increased reagent confinement as electrosprayed droplets shrink. The ability of IMS-MS to resolve intermediates (including isomers) provides a new means of understanding reaction pathways.

Ultrasonication-assisted spray ionization-based micro-reactors for online monitoring of fast chemical reactions by mass spectrometry

Microfluidics can be used to handle relatively small volumes of samples and to conduct reactions in microliter-sized volumes. Electrospray ionization can couple microfluidics with mass spectrometry (MS) to monitor chemical reactions online. However, fabricating microfluidic chips is time-consuming. We herein propose the use of a micro-reactor that is sustained by two capillaries and an ultrasonicator. The inlets of the capillaries were individually immersed to two different sample vials that were subjected to the ultrasonicator. The tapered outlets of the two capillaries were placed cross with an angle of ~60° close to the inlet of the mass spectrometer to fuse the eluents. On the basis of capillary action and ultrasonication, the samples from the two capillaries can be continuously directed to the capillary outlets and fuse simultaneously to generate gas phase ions for MS analysis through ultrasonication-assisted spray ionization (UASI). Any electric contact applied on the capillaries is not required. Nevertheless, UASI spray derived from the eluents can readily occur in front of the mass spectrometer. That is, a micro-reactor was created from the fusing of the eluent containing different reactants from these two UASI capillaries, allowing reactions to be conducted in situ. The solvent in the fused droplets was evaporated quickly, and the product ions could be immediately observed by MS because of the extreme rise in the concentration of the reactants. For proof of concept, pyrazole synthesis reaction and cortisone derivatization by Girard T reagent were selected as the model reactions. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using UASI-based micro-reactor for online MS analysis to detect reaction intermediates and products.

Organic Reactions in Microdroplets: Reaction Acceleration Revealed by Mass Spectrometry

The striking finding that reaction acceleration occurs in confined-volume solutions sets up an apparent conundrum: Microdroplets formed by spray ionization can be used to monitor the course of bulk-phase reactions and also to accelerate reactions between the reagents in such a reaction. This Minireview introduces droplet and thin-film acceleration phenomena and summarizes recent methods applied to study accelerated reactions in confined-volume, high-surface-area solutions. Conditions that dictate either simple monitoring or acceleration are reconciled in the occurrence of discontinuous and complete desolvation as the endpoint of droplet evolution. The contrasting features of microdroplet and bulk-solution reactions are described together with possible mechanisms that drive reaction acceleration in microdroplets. Current applications of droplet microreactors are noted as is reaction acceleration in confined volumes and possible future scale-up.

Soft- and reactive landing of ions onto surfaces: Concepts and applications

Soft- and reactive landing of mass-selected ions is gaining attention as a promising approach for the precisely-controlled preparation of materials on surfaces that are not amenable to deposition using conventional methods. A broad range of ionization sources and mass filters are available that make ion soft-landing a versatile tool for surface modification using beams of hyperthermal (<100 eV) ions. The ability to select the mass-to-charge ratio of the ion, its kinetic energy and charge state, along with precise control of the size, shape, and position of the ion beam on the deposition target distinguishes ion soft landing from other surface modification techniques. Soft- and reactive landing have been used to prepare interfaces for practical applications as well as precisely-defined model surfaces for fundamental investigations in chemistry, physics, and materials science. For instance, soft- and reactive landing have been applied to study the surface chemistry of ions isolated in the gas-phase, prepare arrays of proteins for high-throughput biological screening, produce novel carbon-based and polymer materials, enrich the secondary structure of peptides and the chirality of organic molecules, immobilize electrochemically-active proteins and organometallics on electrodes, create thin films of complex molecules, and immobilize catalytically active organometallics as well as ligated metal clusters. In addition, soft landing has enabled investigation of the size-dependent behavior of bare metal clusters in the critical subnanometer size regime where chemical and physical properties do not scale predictably with size. The morphology, aggregation, and immobilization of larger bare metal nanoparticles, which are directly relevant to the design of catalysts as well as improved memory and electronic devices, have also been studied using ion soft landing. This review article begins in section 1 with a brief introduction to the existing applications of ion soft- and reactive landing. Section 2 provides an overview of the ionization sources and mass filters that have been used to date for soft landing of mass-selected ions. A discussion of the competing processes that occur during ion deposition as well as the types of ions and surfaces that have been investigated follows in section 3. Section 4 discusses the physical phenomena that occur during and after ion soft landing, including retention and reduction of ionic charge along with factors that impact the efficiency of ion deposition. The influence of soft landing on the secondary structure and biological activity of complex ions is addressed in section 5. Lastly, an overview of the structure and mobility as well as the catalytic, optical, magnetic, and redox properties of bare ionic clusters and nanoparticles deposited onto surfaces is presented in section 6.

Ultrafast (1 μs) Mixing and Fast Protein Folding in Nanodrops Monitored by Mass Spectrometry

The use of theta-glass emitters and mass spectrometry to monitor reactions that occur as fast as one μs is demonstrated. Acidified aqueous solutions containing unfolded proteins are mixed with aqueous ammonium acetate solutions to increase the solution pH and induce protein folding during nanoelectrospray ionization. Protein charge-state distributions show the extent to which folding occurs, and reaction times are obtained from known protein folding time constants. Shorter reaction times are obtained by decreasing the solution flow rate, and reaction times between 1.0 and 22 μs are obtained using flow rates between 48 and 2880 pL/s, respectively. Remarkably similar reaction times are obtained for three different proteins (Trp-cage, myoglobin, and cytochrome c) with folding time constants that differ by more than an order of magnitude (4.1, 7, and 57 μs, respectively), indicating that the reaction times obtained using rapid mixing from theta-glass emitters are independent of protein identity. A folding time constant of 2.2 μs is obtained for the formation of a β-hairpin structure of renin substrate tetradecapeptide, which is the fastest folding event measured using a rapid mixing technique. The 1.0 μs reaction time obtained here is about an order of magnitude lower than the shortest reaction time probed using a conventional mixer (8 μs). Moreover, this fast reaction time is obtained with a 48 pL/s flow rate, which is 2000-times less than the flow rate required to obtained the 8 μs reaction time using a conventional mixer. These results indicate that rapid mixing with theta-glass emitters can be used to access significantly faster reaction times while consuming substantially less sample than in conventional mixing apparatus.

Electrospray soft-landing for the construction of non-covalent molecular nanostructures using charged droplets under ambient conditions

An ambient electrospray soft-landing apparatus was designed to create surface-confined networks on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite through ion/surface interactions.

Going beyond electrospray: mass spectrometric studies of chemical reactions in and on liquids

There has been a burst in the number and variety of available ionization techniques to use mass spectrometry to monitor chemical reactions in and on liquids. Chemists have gained the capability to access chemistry at unprecedented timescales, and monitor reactions and detect intermediates under almost any set of conditions. Herein, recently developed ionization techniques that facilitate mechanistic studies of chemical processes are reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of our perspective on the judicious application of these and similar techniques in order to study reaction mechanisms.

Multistage Reactive Transmission-Mode Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Elucidating reaction mechanisms is important for advancing many areas of science such as catalyst development. It is often difficult to probe fast reactions at ambient conditions with high temporal resolution. In addition, systems involving reagents that cross-react require analytical methods that can minimize interaction time and specify their order of introduction into the reacting system. Here, we explore the utility of transmission mode desorption electrospray ionization (TM-DESI) for reaction monitoring by directing a microdroplet spray towards a series of meshes with micrometer-sized openings coated with reagents, an approach we call multistage reactive TM-DESI (TM (n) -DESI, where n refers to the number of meshes; n = 2 in this report). Various stages of the reaction are initiated at each mesh surface, generating intermediates and products in microdroplet reaction vessels traveling towards the mass spectrometer. Using this method, we investigated the reactivity of iron porphyrin catalytic hydroxylation of propranolol and other substrates. Our experimental results indicate that TM (n) -DESI provides the ability to spatially separate reagents and control their order of introduction into the reacting system, thereby minimizing unwanted reactions that lead to catalyst deactivation and degradation products. In addition, comparison with DESI-MS analyses (the Zare and Latour laboratories published results suggesting accessible reaction times <1 ms) of the reduction of dichlorophenolindophenol by L-ascorbic acid suggest that TM (1) -DESI can access reaction times less than 1 ms. Multiple meshes allow sequential stages of desorption/ionization per MS scan, increasing the number of analytes and reactions that can be characterized in a single experiment.

In situ bioconjugation and ambient surface modification using reactive charged droplets

Molecular ions are generated in induced electrospray ionization, and they can be transported to grounded ambient surfaces in the form of charged microdroplets. Efficient amide bonds formation between amines and carboxylic acids were observed inside charged droplets during transfer to the surface. Biomolecules derivatized using this method were self-assembled on a bare gold surface via Au-S bonds under the charged microdroplet environment. Cyclic voltammetric analysis of the self-assembled molecular film showed accelerated protein derivatization with cysteine, which allowed the covalent immobilization of the protein to the gold surface. Cytochrome C-functionalized electrodes prepared using the induced dual nanoelectrospray process showed bioactivity toward aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide below 50 μM. In effect, we have developed a method that allows derivatization of biomolecules and their immobilization at ambient surfaces in a single experimental step.

Ion creation, ion focusing, ion/molecule reactions, ion separation, and ion detection in the open air in a small plastic device

Ion manipulation in air is demonstrated with 3D printed plastic electrode assemblies. The ability to focus, react, separate, and detect ions under ambient conditions is shown.

Theta-glass capillaries in electrospray ionization: rapid mixing and short droplet lifetimes

Double-barrel wire-in-a-capillary electrospray emitters prepared from theta-glass capillaries were used to mix solutions during the electrospray process. The relative flow rate of each barrel was continuously monitored with internal standards. The complexation reaction of 18-crown-6 and K(+), introduced from opposite barrels, reaches equilibrium during the electrospray process, suggesting that complete mixing also occurs. A simplified diffusion model suggests that mixing occurs in less than a millisecond, and contributions of turbulence, estimated from times of coalescing ballistic microdroplets, suggest that complete mixing occurs within a few microseconds. This mixing time is 2 orders of magnitude less than in any mixer previously coupled to a mass spectrometer. The reduction of 2,6-dichloroindophenol by l-ascorbic acid was performed using the theta-glass emitters and monitored using mass spectrometry. On the basis of the rate constant of this reaction in bulk solution, an apparent reaction time of 274 ± 60 μs was obtained. This reaction time is an upper limit to the droplet lifetime because the surface area to volume ratio and the concentration of reagents increase as the droplet evaporates and some product formation occurs in the Taylor cone prior to droplet formation. On the basis of increases in reaction rates measured by others in droplets compared to rates in bulk solution, the true droplet lifetime is likely 1-3 orders of magnitude less than the upper limit, i.e., between 27 μs and 270 ns. The rapid mixing and short droplet lifetime achieved in these experiments should enable the monitoring of many different fast reactions using mass spectrometry.

In situ SIMS and IR spectroscopy of well-defined surfaces prepared by soft landing of mass-selected ions

Soft landing of mass-selected ions onto surfaces is a powerful approach for the highly-controlled preparation of materials that are inaccessible using conventional synthesis techniques. Coupling soft landing with in situ characterization using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) enables analysis of well-defined surfaces under clean vacuum conditions. The capabilities of three soft-landing instruments constructed in our laboratory are illustrated for the representative system of surface-bound organometallics prepared by soft landing of mass-selected ruthenium tris(bipyridine) dications, [Ru(bpy)3](2+) (bpy = bipyridine), onto carboxylic acid terminated self-assembled monolayer surfaces on gold (COOH-SAMs). In situ time-of-flight (TOF)-SIMS provides insight into the reactivity of the soft-landed ions. In addition, the kinetics of charge reduction, neutralization and desorption occurring on the COOH-SAM both during and after ion soft landing are studied using in situ Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR)-SIMS measurements. In situ IRRAS experiments provide insight into how the structure of organic ligands surrounding metal centers is perturbed through immobilization of organometallic ions on COOH-SAM surfaces by soft landing. Collectively, the three instruments provide complementary information about the chemical composition, reactivity and structure of well-defined species supported on surfaces.

The use of dicationic ion-pairing compounds to enhance the ambient detection of surface lipids in positive ionization mode using desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Lipids are typically analysed in negative ionisation mode in desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI-MS), which can result in reduced sensitivity. In this study we examine the use of dicationic compounds as reactive DESI-MS agents to detect a range of lipid standards from the surface in positive ionisation mode.

METHODS

Nine dicationic compounds were tested for their ability to detect seven representative lipid species (palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, phosphatidic acid (34:1), phosphoethanolamine (34:2), phosphatidylglycerol (34:1), phosphatidylserine (36:1), and phosphoinositol (34:2)) with a 2D DESI source on hydrophobic surfaces. Two different solvent systems (methanol/chloroform (1:1) and methanol) were tested with each dicationic compound, with the DESI-MS analysis performed in the positive ionisation mode.

RESULTS

Most of the dications tested were able to form stable ion-pairs with the negatively charged lipid species when analysed from the surface with DESI-MS, and were detected readily in positive ionisation electrospray mode as singly charged species. The optimal solvent system was found to be methanol. The dicationic compound [C6(C1Pyrr)2][Br]2 was found to enhance the detection of palmitoleic acid (638%), linoleic acid (304%) and phosphoethanolamine (269%) compared with the negative ionisation mode.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the first successful application of dicationic compounds in DESI-MS for the ambient surface detection of model lipids in positive electrospray ionisation mode. Dicationic compounds could potentially be used as reactive DESI-MS agents to improve the ambient detection of a number of negatively charged analytes.

Recent advances in experimental techniques to probe fast excited-state dynamics in biological molecules in the gas phase: dynamics in nucleotides, amino acids and beyond

In many chemical reactions, an activation barrier must be overcome before a chemical transformation can occur. As such, understanding the behaviour of molecules in energetically excited states is critical to understanding the chemical changes that these molecules undergo. Among the most prominent reactions for mankind to understand are chemical changes that occur in our own biological molecules. A notable example is the focus towards understanding the interaction of DNA with ultraviolet radiation and the subsequent chemical changes. However, the interaction of radiation with large biological structures is highly complex, and thus the photochemistry of these systems as a whole is poorly understood. Studying the gas-phase spectroscopy and ultrafast dynamics of the building blocks of these more complex biomolecules offers the tantalizing prospect of providing a scientifically intuitive bottom-up approach, beginning with the study of the subunits of large polymeric biomolecules and monitoring the evolution in photochemistry as the complexity of the molecules is increased. While highly attractive, one of the main challenges of this approach is in transferring large, and in many cases, thermally labile molecules into vacuum. This review discusses the recent advances in cutting-edge experimental methodologies, emerging as excellent candidates for progressing this bottom-up approach.

Probing the reactivity and radical nature of oxidized transition metal-thiolate complexes by mass spectrometry

Transition metal thiolate complexes such as [PPN](+)[RuL3](-) (PPN = bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene) ammonium and L = diphenylphosphinobenzenethiolate) are known to undergo addition reactions with unsaturated hydrocarbons via the formation of new C-S bonds in solution upon oxidation. The reaction mechanism is proposed to involve metal-stabilized thiyl radical intermediates, a new type of distonic ions such as [RuL3](+) ion in the case of [PPN](+)[RuL3](-). This study presents the reactivity and structure investigation of [RuL3](+) by mass spectrometry (MS) in conjunction with ion/molecule reactions. The addition reactions of [RuL3](+) with alkenes or methyl ketones in the gas phase are indeed observed, in agreement with the proposed mechanism. Such reactivity is also maintained by several fragment ions of [RuL3](+), indicating the preserved thiyl diradical core structure is responsible for the addition reaction. The thiyl radical nature of [RuL3](+) was further verified by the ion/molecule reaction of [RuL3](+) with dimethyl disulfide, in which the characteristic CH3S• transfer occurs, both at atmospheric pressure and also at low pressure (~mTorr). These results provide, for the first time, clear mass spectrometric evidence of the radical nature of [RuL3](+) (i.e., the distonic ion structure of [RuL3](+)), arising from the oxidation of non-innocent thiolate ligands of the complex [PPN](+)[RuL3](-). Similar thiolate complexes, including ReL3 and NiL2, were also examined. Although reactions of oxidized ReL3 or NiL2 with CH3SSCH3 take place at atmospheric pressure, the corresponding reaction did not occur in vacuum. Consistent with these data, the addition of ethylene was not observed either, indicating lower reactivities of [ReL3](+) and [NiL2](+) in comparison to [RuL3](+).

Chemical aspects of the extractive methods of ambient ionization mass spectrometry

Ambient ionization techniques allow complex chemical samples to be analyzed in their native state with minimal sample preparation. This brings the obvious advantages of simplicity, speed, and versatility to mass spectrometry: Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), for example, is used in chemical imaging for tumor margin diagnosis. This review on the extractive methods of ambient ionization focuses on chemical aspects, mechanistic considerations, and the accelerated chemical reactions occurring in charged liquid droplets generated in the spray process. DESI uses high-velocity solvent droplets to extract analytes from surfaces. Nano-DESI employs liquid microjunctions for analyte dissolution, whereas paper-spray ionization uses DC potentials applied to wet porous material such as paper or biological tissue to field emit charged analyte-containing solvent droplets. These methods also operate in a reactive mode in which added reagents allow derivatization during ionization. The accelerated reaction rates seen in charged microdroplets are useful in small-scale rapid chemical synthesis.