Aqueous co-ordination chemistry using electrospray mass spectrometry of anions: metal(VI)–monosaccharide complexes (M = W or Mo)
Abstract
Electrospray mass spectrometry has been applied for the first time to the co-ordination chemistry of aqueous anions, using as a model system the reaction of tungstate or molybdate with galactaric (mucic) acid and galacturonic acid; 1∶1, 2∶1 and 1∶2 complexes are found, thus confirming and extending previous solution-state studies. The gas-phase ions may undergo minor dehydration, and some decarboxylation. Nevertheless, the method is shown to provide a rapid and simple means for identifying mixtures of anionic complexes in dilute aqueous solution, even when their binding constants are modest.