Hexatriacontane (C36) was exposed to vacuum ultraviolet radiation. The formation of double bonds was investigated by derivatization, i.e. these olefinic structures were transformed by epoxidation in order to determine their number in the molecule. The extent of the reaction was determined by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. In order to confirm the results a model compound (squalene) containing six double bonds was also investigated. As a result of the derivatization an easier ionization of functionalized substances caused by an increase in their polarity was found. As a result, the sample preparation was changed and the use of silver salts for a better ionization of non-polar alkanes could be avoided.
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Kühn et al. (1997) studied this question.