Simple Derivatization and Reversed Phase LCMS of Carbohydrates

LCMS of oligosaccharides may be performed by several separation techniques. HILIC columns, Amino (NH2) dedicated carbohydrate columns, and Reversed Phase columns are all used for the analysis of oligosaccharides. Of these analysis methods, Reversed Phase offers several advantages. Narrow peak widths, short equilibration times, and many pore size options for the separation of larger oligosaccharides along with a good ionization in the MS portion of the analysis. Unfortunately, oligosaccharides require modification to make use of RP chromatography.

In this seminar we will review several of the most common modifications of oligosaccharides. Advantages and disadvantages of alkylation, acylation, along with labeling options will be considered. A simple method for the modification (Acylation) and labeling of oligosaccharides for RP LCMS will be described.

Presenter: Jim Lau, PhD (HRAMS LC/MS Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)

Jim Lau received his Ph.D. From the University of Colorado. There he worked in the laboratories of Peter Albersheim and Robert Shapiro. This work involved the structure elucidation of plant natural products and, in particular, elucidating the structures of oligosaccharides derived from plant cell wall polysaccharides. This work was done in the early days of LCMS and made use of DLI-LCMS and (at the time) recently invented Thermospray-LCMS.