The Application of Mass Spectrometry in Organic Chemistry: Determination of the Structure of Natural Products

Mass spectrometry is a very useful method for the determination of the structure of organic compounds although the technique has not yet been widely employed in this field. Of particular interest is the high sensitivity of the instrument, making possible the use of very small amounts of sample, and the information obtainable regarding the size of the molecule and position of the groups therein. A certain volatility is required and the choice of a suitable derivative is, therefore, sometimes of importance. The fragmentations of the molecules in the ion source may be considered as reactions of “carbonium ions without solvent.” The application of the method in the determination of the structure of some natural products is outlined, using lipids, amino acids, peptides and alkaloids as examples.