Characterization of self-assembled supramolecular [Ga4L6] host-guest complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2006 Mar;17(3):292-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jasms.2005.10.011. Epub 2006 Feb 7.

Abstract

Self-assembled supramolecular host-guest complexes have been characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The spectra obtained by use of a Q-TOF instrument equipped with a Z-spray ion source show primarily the 3- and 4- charge states of the assemblies. The assemblies have the general formula [guest subset Ga4L6]11- where L represents the chelating bidentate catechol ligand 1,5-bis(2',3'-dihydroxy-benzamido)naphthalene and guests are tetramethyl ammonium (Me4N+), tetraethyl ammonium (Et4N+), tetra-n-propyl ammonium (Pr4N+) and decamethylcobaltocenium (Cp*2Co+) cations. For the first time, the mass spectrum of the empty assembly [Ga4L6]12- is reported. This article also reports that provided the electrospray ion source is capable of preserving noncovalent interactions, it is possible to observe host-guest complexes containing both weak binding guests as well as sterically demanding guests in the mass spectra. The present data suggest that electrospray mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for characterization of supramolecular host-guest complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods
  • Gallium / analysis*
  • Gallium / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / analysis*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Naphthalenes / analysis*
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Naphthalenes
  • naphthalene
  • Gallium