Techniques Suitable for Noncovalent Species

1 Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/lonization (MALDI) 

In principle, the mass range of MALDI is almost unlimited and MALDI sources preferentially generate singly-charged ions so that broad charge distributions can by and large be avoided. The laser beam is applied in the form of short shots, so 

Ionization method Ionization principle Utility for the examination of noncovalent species 

Electron ionization Radical-cation generation Need to vaporize sample before 

Chemical ionization Generation of protonated See EI fragmentation less pronounced 

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