Evaluation of counterions for electrospray ionization mass spectral sulfated analysis of a highly sulfated carbohydrate, sucrose octasulfate

摘要

A systematic approach was used to evaluate the electrospray ionization mass spectral (ESI-MS) analysis of sucrose octasulfate (SOS), an important pharmaceutical agent. SOS represents a model for other sulfated carbohydrates, such as heparin and glycosaminoglycan-derived oligosaccharides that also are highly sulfated and pose difficult analytical problems. A survey of ammonium counterions showed that 1degrees, 2degrees, and 3degrees ammonium salts of SOS gave substantial fragmentation as a result of sulfate loss. In contrast, quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts gave excellent ESI spectra, particularly in the positive ion mode. This represents the first report of the ESI-MS analysis of sulfated carbohydrates in the positive ion mode. [References: 24]