Elemental Sulfur as a Versatile Low-Mass-Range Calibration Standard for Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Facile generation of series of singly charged radical anions (Sn−
• ; n = 1–15) and cations (Sn+
• ; n = 2–11) by direct laser ionization renders elemental sulfur an excellent material for the low-mass-region calibration of time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers. Upon irradiation by a 337-nm UV laser, elemental sulfur undergoes facile ionization without the need of an additional laser-absorbing matrix. An intense and evenly spaced set of peaks is obtained in both modes.

Graphical AbstractLaser ionization generated radical anions (Sn−
• ) and cations (Sn+
• ) from elemental sulfur are excellent for low-mass region calibration of TOF mass spectrometers.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (72 K)Download as PowerPoint slide