Derivatization in mass spectrometry - 8. Soft ionization mass spectrometry of small molecules

This is the first of two reviews devoted to derivatization approaches for soft ionization mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization, electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and deals, in particular, with small molecules. The principles of the main soft ionization mass spectrometric methods as well as the reasons for derivatizing small molecules are briefly described. Derivatization methods for modification of amines, carboxylic acids, amino acids, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, monosaccharides, thiols, unsaturated and aromatic compounds etc. to improve their ionizability and to enhance structure information content are discussed. The use of fixed-charge bearing derivatization reagents is especially emphasized. Chemical aspects of derivatization and soft ionization mass spectrometric properties of derivatives are considered.