The anionization of molecules supplied from the gas phase onto a negatively charged [a]-or [NO,]-ion donating surface has been investigated. The charged surface was prepared by exposing an aqueous solution of LiCl (or Lf103) and polyethylene oxide to a high external field as is done in negative ion field desorption mass spectrometry. The ionization of some monosaccharides and adenosine by [Cll-and [NO,]-attachment and of some acids by proton abstraction is reported.
INTRODWCTIONCationization of volatile molecules has been achieved on field anodes covered with salts, acids or electrolytic solutions by a1 kali ion14 and proton a t t a~h m e n t .~.~ The molecules are supplied via the gas phase onto the anode surface and the attachment reactions result from a field induced charging of the ion conducting surface layer with loosely bound alkali ions or protons. The field strengths required for these heterogeneous ion/molecule reactions are below the threshold for field ionization (FI) of organic molecules. The physical state of the surface layer is almost the same as that of a charged sample layer from which alkali ions or Ion formation by [CI'J-attachment on a negatively charged surface of an aqueous solution of PEO and LiCl was investigated first with a number of smaller