Molecular weight determination of underivatized oligodeoxyribonucleotides by positive-ion matrix-assisted ultraviolet laser-desorption mass spectrometry.

A Wiley-McLaren type time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been used for molecular weight measurements of several unprotected oligodeoxyribonucleotides using matrix-assisted UV laser desorption. Approximately 10 to 100 pmol of sample was required for recording their positive-ion mass spectra with a mass resolution in the range of 150 to 300 (Full width at half maximum) (FWHM). Little fragmentation was observed.