Isomer differentiation through supramolecular self-assembly in microdroplets of milliseconds life-time

Abstract

Supramolecular recognition of thymine (or its analogs) with various central cations can form magic number clusters. Dual nano-ESI via theta tip emitters was used to on-line synthesize clusters. Even thermodynamically unstable clusters can be detected by MS thanks to the very short life-time (∼ms) of the generated microdroplets. By recording characteristic cluster distributions, isomers can be clearly differentiated in a novel "bottom-up" way. Theoretical calculations were performed to explain the MS results.

Mass spectrometric snapshots for electrochemical reactions

“…The feature of single droplet sampling in our method can make studies of size-dependent reaction acceleration in tiny droplets possible. 38–41 …”

Heterogeneous cation induced clusters formed at surfaces of micro-droplets

“…The model structure was optimized via molecular mechanical calculations as described previously. 20 The cluster is induced by one protonated TMA cation and one ammonium cation. The two cations are nearly aligned if we observe them in the downward direction (the ammonium part dened as top, Fig.…”