Analysis of the linkage positions and isomers of monosaccharide units in oligosaccharides by negativ secondary ion mass spectrometry in combination with the stereoselective reaction with substituted boronic acid

Abstract

The negative secondary ion mass spectrometry, in combination with the stereoselective derivatizations with substituted boronic acid RB(OH)2, was used in the analysis of fourteen oligosaccharides. The mass spectra of the derivatives provide information on their linkage positions and isomerism of the individual monosacaccharide units. The results indicated that among the derivatives of the oligosaccharides analyzed, those with 1–4 and 1–6 linkages all presented the ion peaks at m/z 287, sometimes one more peak at m/z 449. Furthermore, a relationship was found between the linkage positions and the intensity orders of the derivative ions. Finally, the derivatives of the disaccharides with a galactose presented an intense ion peak at m/z 347, and those of oligosaccharides with 1–6 linkage to a galactose at terminal presented the ion at m/z 317. In the case of oligosaccharides with a fructose residue, characteristic ion of m/z 155 was produced. The conditions of stereoselective derivatizations and mass spectrometry were studied, in order to obtain a better reproducibility of the mass spectra.