Fullerene matrices in the MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopic characterisation of organometallic compounds

•Air-sensitive C5Ar5 complexes are characterized by MALDI/TOF with fullerene matrices.•Reactions of the compounds and of the ligands in the mass spectrometer are observed.•Fullerene matrices give a 2 point m/z calibration; estimated mass accuracy 0.05%.

The use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with fullerene matrices in the characterisation of insoluble, air-sensitive organolanthanides is described. The issues of matrix, sample preparation, fullerene stability, calibration, comparisons with other matrices, oxygen sensitivity and adduct formation of samples, radical chemistry, aggregation, the detection of triple-decker compounds, and complications in recording the spectra are discussed. The fullerene matrix is found to provide the basis for excellent characterisation for these compounds, and the technique is potentially of general utility.

Graphical abstractThe use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with fullerene matrices in the characterisation of insoluble, air-sensitive organolanthanides gives well resolved spectra, providing excellent characterisation of these compounds. Reactions of the compounds and the ligands in the mass spectrometer are also detected.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide