Guided Ion Beam Tandem Mass Spectrometer Research Articles

Nitrosation mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics of the guanine and 9-methylguanine radical cations by nitric oxide-Radical-radical combination at different electron configurations.

As a precursor to various reactive nitrogen species formed in biological systems, nitric oxide (•NO) participates in numerous processes, including enhancing DNA radiosensitivity in ionizing radiation-based radiotherapy. Forming guanine radical cations is another common DNA lesion resulting from ionization and oxidation damage. As such, the interaction of •NO with guanine radical cations (G•+) may contribute to the radiosensitization of •NO. An intriguing aspect of this process is the participation of multiple spin configurations in the reaction, including open-shell singlet 1,OS[G•+(↑)⋯(↓)•NO], closed-shell singlet 1,CS[G(↑↓)⋯NO+], and triplet 3[G•+(↑)⋯(↑)•NO]. In this study, the reactions of •NO with both unsubstituted guanine radical cations (in the 9HG•+ conformation) and 9-methylguanine radical cations (9MG•+, a guanosine-mimicking model compound) were investigated in the absence and presence of monohydration of radical cations. Kinetic-energy dependent reaction product ions and cross sections were measured using an electrospray ionization guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics were comprehended by interpreting the reaction potential energy surface using spin-projected density functional theory, coupled cluster theory, and multiconfiguration complete active space second-order perturbation theory, followed by RRKM kinetics modeling. The combined experimental and computational findings revealed closed-shell singlet 1,CS[7-NO-9MG]+ as the major, exothermic product and triplet 3[8-NO-9MG]+ as the minor, endothermic product. Singlet biradical products were not detected due to high reaction endothermicities, activation barriers, and inherent instability.

Hydration energies of calcium hydroxide cation, CaOH+(H2O)x (x = 1–6), studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry

Hydration energies of CaOH+(H2O)x, x = 1–6, were obtained using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) with xenon (Xe) as conducted with a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). The primary reaction pathway observed for all complexes is the loss of one water ligand, followed by the loss of additional water molecules at higher collision energies for x > 1. The kinetic-energy-dependent cross sections for dissociation of CaOH+(H2O)x complexes were modeled to obtain 0 K binding energies after accounting for lifetime effects, energy distributions, and pressure effects. Except for x = 5, experimental threshold energies measured through TCID agree well with theoretical hydration energies determined using B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) structure geometries followed by single point energies calculated at B3LYP, B3P86, M06, and MP2(full) levels of theory with a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. B3LYP-GD3BJ and ωB97XD calculations were also used, with the former yielding results having the best agreement with the threshold energies extracted from the analysis of the TCID cross sections.

Dynamics and thermochemistry of the negatively charged clusters in a 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate ionic liquid system.

The formation and fragmentation of negatively charged 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate ([HOCH2CH2NH2NH2]+NO3-, HEHN) ionic liquid clusters were examined using a guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer furnished with collision-induced dissociation of selected ions with Xe atoms. Measurements included the compositions of cluster ions formed in the ionization source, and the dissociation products, cross sections, and 0 K threshold energies for individually selected cluster ions. To identify the structures of the main cluster ion series [(HEHN)n(HNO3)0-1NO3]- formed, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to create initial geometry guesses, followed by optimization at the ωB97XD/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory, from which global minimum structures were identified for reaction thermodynamics analyses. A comparison was made between the cluster formation and fragmentation in the negatively charged 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate with those in the positive mode (reported by W. Zhou et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2023, 25, 17370). In both modes, the cluster ions were predominantly composed of m/z below 350; loss of a neutral 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate ion pair represents the most important cluster fragmentation pathway, followed by intra-ion pair proton transfer-mediated 2-hydroxyethylhydrazine and HNO3 elimination; and all clusters started to dissociate at threshold energies less than 1.5 eV. The overwhelming similarities in the formation and fragmentation chemistry of positively vs. negatively charged 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate clusters may be attributed to their inherent ionic nature and high electric conductivities.

Sequential Bond Dissociation Energies of Th+(CO)x, x = 3-6: Guided Ion Beam Collision-Induced Dissociation and Quantum Computational Studies.

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of [Th,xC,xO]+, x = 3-6, with Xe is performed using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Products are formed exclusively by the loss of CO ligands. Analyses of the kinetic energy-dependent CID product cross sections yield bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of (CO)x-1Th+-CO at 0 K as 1.09 ± 0.05, 0.82 ± 0.07, 0.63 ± 0.05, and 0.70 ± 0.05 eV, respectively. Different structures of [Th,xC,xO]+ were explored using various electronic structure methods, and BDEs for CO ligand loss from precursor [Th,xC,xO]+ complexes were computed. Both experimental and theoretical results corroborate that the structures of [Th,xC,xO]+, x = 3-6, formed experimentally are homoleptic thorium cation carbonyl complexes, Th+(CO)x. The nonmonotonic trend in experimental BDEs is reproduced theoretically, although ambiguities in the spin states of the x = 4-6 complexes (doublet or quartet) remain. BDEs calculated at the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T))/cc-pVXZ//B3LYP/cc-PVXZ (X = T and Q) level and a complete basis set (CBS) extrapolation agree reasonably well with the experimental values for all complexes. Thorium oxide ketenylidene carbonyl cations, OTh+CCO(CO)y, y = 1-4, were calculated to be the most stable structures of [Th,xC,xO]+, x = 3-6, respectively; however, these are not observed in our experiment. Potential energy profiles (PEPs) having either quartet or doublet spin calculated at the B3LYP/cc-pVQZ level suggest that the failure to observe OTh+CCO(CO)y, y = 1-4, is the result of a barrier corresponding to the C-C bond formation, making the formation of OTh+CCO(CO)y inaccessible kinetically under the present experimental conditions.

Cis-trans isomerization is not rate determining for b2 ion structures: A guided ion beam and computational study of the decomposition of H+(GlyProAla)

Decomposition of the protonated tripeptide, GlyProAla (H+GPA), through collision-induced dissociation with Xe in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS) is examined. Cross sections for the formation of [b2]+, [y2 + 2H]+, [a1]+, [b3]+, [a3]+, [a2]+, and H+(1-pyrroline) fragment ions were collected as a function of kinetic energy. Analysis of these cross sections include consideration of the effects of multiple collisions, dissociation lifetimes, reactant internal and kinetic energy distributions, competition among channels, and evolution into sequential channels. Structures and molecular parameters of reactants, transition states, intermediates, and products were identified using the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory, with single-point energy calculations performed at the B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels of theory using a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. Good agreement between experimental threshold energies and those calculated for rate-limiting transition states allow key reaction pathways for the formation of each product to be identified. The MP2(full) level of theory is found to agree best with the experimental results. Notably, even though H+GPA starts with a cis-peptide bond, it forms an oxazolone as its [b2]+ fragment and the absence of a diketopiperazine [b2]+ fragment is verified by other key observations.

Methane Adducts of Gold Dimer Cations: Thermochemistry and Structure from Collision-Induced Dissociation and Association Kinetics.

The bond dissociation energies at 0 K (BDE) of Au2+-CH4 and Au2CH4+-CH4 have been determined using two separate experimental methods. Analyses of collision-induced dissociation cross sections for Au2CH4+ + Xe and Au2(CH4)2+ + Xe measured using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS) yield BDEs of 0.71 ± 0.05 and 0.57 ± 0.07 eV, respectively. Statistical modeling of association kinetics of Au2(CH4)0-2+ + CH4 + He measured from 200 to 400 K and at 0.3-0.9 Torr using a selected-ion flow tube (SIFT) apparatus yields slightly higher values of 0.81 ± 0.21 and 0.75 ± 0.25 eV. The SIFT data also place a lower limit on the BDE of Au2C2H8+-CH4 of 0.35 eV, likely an activated isomer, not Au2(CH4)2+-CH4. Particular emphasis is placed on determining the uncertainty in the derivation from association kinetics measurements, including uncertainties in collisional energy transfer, calculated harmonic frequencies, and possible contribution of isomerization of the association complexes. This evaluation indicates that an uncertainty of ±0.2 eV should be expected and that an uncertainty of better than ±0.1 eV is unlikely to be reasonable.

Second–shell thermochemistry for hydration of strontium dications as determined by threshold collision-induced dissociation and computations

This work reports a continuation of the guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS) study of the threshold collision-induced dissociation of Sr2+(H2O)x. The present study measures 0K hydration energies for Sr2+(H2O)x, where x=7–9, which can be added to those previously measured for x=1–6. The full range of these complexes is also examined theoretically employing B3LYP/SDD/def2-TZVP and B3LYP/DHF/def2-TZVPP geometry optimizations with additional B3LYP, B3P86, M06, and MP2(full) single point energy calculations performed with the larger SDD/def2-TZVPP and DHF/def2-TZVPP basis sets, respectively. The transition between first and second hydration shells is explored from both experimental and theoretical findings. Neither experimental nor theoretical results are completely consistent with a single coordination number for the first hydration shell at 298K, but rather suggest mixed coordination numbers ranging from 6 to 8 water molecules.

Thermodynamics and Reaction Mechanisms of Decomposition of the Simplest Protonated Tripeptide, Triglycine: A Guided Ion Beam and Computational Study.

We present a thorough characterization of fragmentations observed in threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) experiments of protonated triglycine (H+GGG) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Kinetic energy-dependent cross-sections for 10 ionic products are observed and analyzed to provide 0 K barriers for six primary products: [b2]+, [y1 + 2H]+, [b3]+, CO loss, [y2 + 2H]+, and [a1]+; three secondary products: [a2]+, [a3]+, and [y2 + 2H - CO]+; and two tertiary products: high energy [y1 + 2H]+ and [a2 - CO]+ after accounting for multiple ion-molecule collisions, internal energy of reactant ions, unimolecular decay rates, competition between channels, and sequential dissociations. Relaxed potential energy surface scans performed at the B3LYP-D3/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory are used to identify transition states (TSs) and intermediates of the six primary and one secondary products. Geometry optimizations and single point energy calculations were performed at several levels of theory. These theoretical energies are compared with experimental energies and are found to give reasonably good agreement, in particular for the M06-2X level of theory. This good agreement between experiment and theory validates the reaction mechanisms explored computationally here and elsewhere and allows identification of the product structures formed at threshold energies. The present work presents the first measurement of absolute experimental threshold energies of important sequence ions and non-sequence ions: [y1 + 2H]+, [b3]+, CO loss, [a1]+, and [a3]+, and refines those for [b2]+ and [y2 + 2H]+ previously measured. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Activation of methane by Ru+: Experimental and theoretical studies of the thermochemistry and mechanism

The reaction of Ru+ with CH4 is studied using a guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. Consistent with previous work, no reactivity is observed at thermal energies. As the collision energy is increased, dehydrogenation to form RuCH2++H2 is observed with a relatively low energy threshold. At higher energies, other products, RuH+, RuC+, RuCH+, and RuCH3+, are observed with RuH+ dominating the product spectrum. Modeling of the endothermic cross sections provides thresholds that agree well with thermochemistry determined previously, except in the case of RuC+ where a revised 0K bond dissociation energy (BDE) of 5.43±0.08eV is measured here. The experimental BDEs of all products observed are in reasonable agreement with theoretical calculations at the B3LYP, QCISD(T), and CCSD(T,full) levels of theory using several different basis sets. Theory is also used to explore the potential energy surfaces associated with the reaction of Ru+ with methane, with some distinct differences found compared with previous computational results. These calculations reveal that this reaction proceeds through a H‐Ru+‐CH3 intermediate and requires crossing from the quartet spin of the reactants to a doublet spin intermediate, and possibly back to quartet in order to dehydrogenate. Further, both RuCH2+ and HRuCH+ geometries are nearly isoenergetic. Details of the various intermediates, transition states, and crossing points between surfaces are provided. Finally, reactions of Ru+ with methane are compared with those of the first and third-row congeners, Fe+ and Os+, and the differences in behavior and mechanism discussed.

Evaluation of the exothermicity of the chemi-ionization reaction Sm + O → SmO(+) + e(.).

The exothermicity of the chemi-ionization reaction Sm + O → SmO(+) + e(-) has been re-evaluated through the combination of several experimental methods. The thermal reactivity (300-650 K) of Sm(+) and SmO(+) with a range of species measured using a selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometer apparatus is reported and provides limits for the bond strength of SmO(+), 5.661 eV ≤ D0(Sm(+)-O) ≤ 6.500 eV. A more precise value is measured to be 5.725 ± 0.07 eV, bracketed by the observed reactivity of Sm(+) and SmO(+) with several species using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Combined with the established Sm ionization energy (IE), this value indicates an exothermicity of the title reaction of 0.08 ± 0.07 eV, ∼0.2 eV smaller than previous determinations. In addition, the ionization energy of SmO has been measured by resonantly enhanced two-photon ionization and pulsed-field ionization zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy to be 5.7427 ± 0.0006 eV, significantly higher than the literature value. Combined with literature bond energies of SmO, this value indicates an exothermicity of the title reaction of 0.14 ± 0.17 eV, independent from and in agreement with the GIBMS result presented here. The evaluated thermochemistry also suggests that D0(SmO) = 5.83 ± 0.07 eV, consistent with but more precise than the literature values. Implications of these results for interpretation of chemical release experiments in the thermosphere are discussed.

Guided ion beam and computational studies of the decomposition of a model thiourea protein cross-linker.

The dissociation of protonated methyl-d3 thiourea-4-butyric acid methyl amide (1), a model of thiourea-based protein cross-linking compounds, is examined both experimentally and computationally. Using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS), the threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) of [1 + H](+) with Xe is examined as a function of collision energy. Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for four primary and four secondary dissociation pathways, after accounting for competition between channels, sequential dissociations, unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-neutral collisions. Computations are used to explore the pathways for the various processes and elucidation of their rate-limiting transition states. These results indicate that dissociation is initiated by migration of the excess proton from sulfur to one of three nitrogen atoms in 1, similar to the "mobile proton" model of peptide fragmentation. The computational energies for the rate-limiting transition states are generally in good agreement with the experimentally derived threshold energies, with MP2(full)/6-311+G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) results being particularly favorable. This good comparison validates the mechanisms explored theoretically and allows identification of the structures of the various product ions and neutrals.

Re-print of “Theoretical Investigation and Reinterpretation of the Decomposition of Lithiated Proline and N-Methyl Proline”

Lithium cation complexes of proline (Pro) and N-methyl proline (NMP) have been collisionally activated with xenon in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). In addition to the loss of the intact ligand, Pro and NMP, we observed two prominent fragmentation pathways involving the loss of (CO+LiOH) and (CO+H2O). Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level are used to explore the reaction mechanisms of these Li+(Pro) and Li+(NMP) fragmentations. Complete potential energy surfaces including all intermediates and transition states are elucidated for the two fragmentation processes in both systems. Theoretical molecular parameters for the rate-limiting transition states are then used to analyze the experimental data. The experimental threshold energies are compared with single point energies calculated at six different levels of theory. Reasonable agreement between experiment and some levels of theory indicate that loss of the intact amino acid competes with the loss of CO over a tight transition state in both Li+(Pro) and Li+(NMP) systems. Once CO is lost, efficient loss of H2O can occur at lower or comparable energy and is followed at somewhat higher energies by loss of LiOH, both proceeding by loose transition states. Overall, we find that MP2(full)/6-311+G(2d, 2p) gives the best agreement with the experimental threshold energies and the qualitative characteristics of the competing reactions. This study refines the bond energy of Li+ to Pro by considering competition with CO loss and lowers the value previously published by 24±12kJ/mol, with methylation of proline increasing the bond energy to Li+ by 9±15kJ/mol.

Theoretical investigation and reinterpretation of the decomposition of lithiated proline and N-methyl proline

Lithium cation complexes of proline (Pro) and N-methyl proline (NMP) have been collisionally activated with xenon in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). In addition to the loss of the intact ligand, Pro and NMP, we observed two prominent fragmentation pathways involving the loss of (CO+LiOH) and (CO+H2O). Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level are used to explore the reaction mechanisms of these Li+(Pro) and Li+(NMP) fragmentations. Complete potential energy surfaces including all intermediates and transition states are elucidated for the two fragmentation processes in both systems. Theoretical molecular parameters for the rate-limiting transition states are then used to analyze the experimental data. The experimental threshold energies are compared with single point energies calculated at six different levels of theory. Reasonable agreement between experiment and some levels of theory indicate that loss of the intact amino acid competes with the loss of CO over a tight transition state in both Li+(Pro) and Li+(NMP) systems. Once CO is lost, efficient loss of H2O can occur at lower or comparable energy and is followed at somewhat higher energies by loss of LiOH, both proceeding by loose transition states. Overall, we find that MP2(full)/6-311+G(2d, 2p) gives the best agreement with the experimental threshold energies and the qualitative characteristics of the competing reactions. This study refines the bond energy of Li+ to Pro by considering competition with CO loss and lowers the value previously published by 24±12kJ/mol, with methylation of proline increasing the bond energy to Li+ by 9±15kJ/mol.

Thermodynamics and Mechanism of Protonated Cysteine Decomposition: A Guided Ion Beam and Computational Study

A quantitative molecular description of the decomposition of protonated cysteine, H(+)Cys, is provided by studying the kinetic energy dependence of threshold collision-induced dissociation (CID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Primary dissociation channels are deamidation (yielding both NH3 loss and NH4(+) formation) and (H2O + CO) loss reactions, followed by an additional six subsequent decompositions. Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for six different reactions after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, multiple ion-molecule collisions, and competition among the decay channels. To identify the mechanisms associated with these reactions, quantum chemical calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level were used to locate the transition states (TSs) and intermediates for these processes. Single point energies of the reactants, products, and key optimized TSs and intermediates are calculated at B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels using a 6-311 + G(2d,2p) basis set. The computational characterization of the elementary steps of these reactions, including the structures of the final products, is validated by quantitative agreement with the experimental energetics. In agreement with previous work, deamidation is facilitated by anchimeric assistance of the thio group, which also leads to an interesting rearrangement of the intact amino acid identified computationally.

Role of methylation on the thermochemistry of alkali metal cation complexes of amino acids: N-methyl proline

Quantitative thermodynamic information is obtained from the study of the gas-phase interactions of the alkali metal cation complexes of N-methyl proline (NMP) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Absolute bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of M+=Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+ to NMP are determined experimentally from threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) measurements of the M+(NMP) complexes. Analysis of their kinetic energy cross sections provide the 0K bond enthalpies after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-molecule collisions. Quantum chemical calculations of the M+(NMP) BDEs are found to be in good agreement with the experimental values, establishing that the zwitterionic form is the lowest energy structure for all the metal ion complexes. Compared to M+(Pro) BDEs, the metal binding in these zwitterions is slightly enhanced by the CH3 group on the ring nitrogen, presumably a result of an inductive effect and its higher polarizability. More profound consequences of the methyl group emerge in the charge-solvated conformers calculated for M+(NMP) where it directs multiple conformations of the pyrrolidine ring. This is unlike the ring puckering phenomenon seen in M+(Pro) complexes, where fewer conformations are found, apparently because inversion at the nitrogen center is more facile.

Thermodynamics and Mechanisms of Protonated Diglycine Decomposition: A Guided Ion Beam Study

We present a full molecular description of fragmentation reactions of protonated diglycine (H(+)GG) by studying their collision-induced dissociation (CID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0K barriers for the sequential H(2)O+CO and CO+NH(3) losses from H(+)GG as well as for the reactions involved in y(1) and a(1) ion formation, after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-molecule collisions. Here, seven energetic barriers are measured for the fragmentation processes of H(+)GG, including the loss of H(2)O and of CO at ~140 and ~156kJ/mol, the combined loss of (H(2)O+CO) and of (CO+NH(3)) at ~233 and ~185kJ/mol, and formation of y(1) and a(1) ions at ~191 and ~212kJ/mol, respectively, with a second channel for a(1) formation opening at ~326kJ/mol. Theoretical energies from the preceding paper are compared with our experimental energies and found to be in good agreement. This validates the mechanisms explored computationally, including unambiguous identification of the b(2) ion as protonated 2-aminomethyl-5-oxazolone, thereby allowing a complete characterization of the elementary steps of H(+)GG decomposition. These results also demonstrate that all reactive species are available from the ground state conformation, as opposed to involving an initial broad distribution of protonated conformers. This result verifies the utility of the "mobile proton" model for understanding the fragmentation of protonated proteins.

Thermodynamics and Mechanisms for Decomposition of Protonated Glycine and Its Protonated Dimer

We present a full molecular description of fragmentation reactions of protonated glycine (G) and its protonated dimer, H(+)G(2), by studying their collision-induced dissociation (CID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). In contrast to previous results, it is clear that H(+)G decomposes by loss of CO followed by H(2)O. Analysis of the energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for these processes as well as for the binding energy of the dimer after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-molecule collisions. Relaxed potential energy surface scans performed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level are used to map the reaction surfaces and identify the transition states (TSs) and intermediate reaction species for the reactions, structures that are further optimized at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. Single-point energies of the key optimized structures are calculated at B3LYP and MP2(full) levels using a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. These theoretical results are compared to extensive calculations in the literature and to the experimental energies. The combination of both experimental work and quantum chemical calculations allows for a complete characterization of the elementary steps of H(+)G and H(+)G(2) decomposition. These results make it clear that H(+)G is the simplest model for the ''mobile proton'', a key concept in understanding the fragmentation of protonated proteins.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Charge-Separation Energies of Hydrated Zinc(II): Redefinition of the Critical Size

In the preceding article, the hydration energies of Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(n) complexes, where n = 6-10, were measured using threshold collision-induced dissociation (CID) in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS) coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The present investigation explores the charge-separation processes observed, Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(n) --> ZnOH(+)(H(2)O)(m) + H(+)(H(2)O)(n-m-1), and the competition between this process and the loss of water. Our results demonstrate that charge-separation processes occur at variable complex sizes of n = 6, 7, and 8, prompting a redefinition of the critical size for charge separation. Experimental kinetic energy-dependent cross sections are analyzed to yield 0 K threshold energies for the charge-separation products and the effects of competition with this channel on the energies for losing one and two water ligands after accounting for multiple collisions, kinetic shifts, and energy distributions. A complete reaction coordinate is calculated for the n = 7 complex dissociating into ZnOH(+)(H(2)O)(3) + H(+)(H(2)O)(3). Calculated rate-limiting transition states for n = 6-8 are also compared to experimental threshold measurements for the charge-separation processes.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Sodium Cation Interactions with d-Arabinose, Xylose, Glucose, and Galactose

The binding of Na (+) to arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), glucose (Glc), and galactose (Gal) is examined in detail by studying the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the four sodiated monosaccharide complexes with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Analysis of the energy-dependent CID cross-sections provides 0 K sodium cation affinities for experimental complexes after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-neutral collisions. Quantum chemical calculations for a number of geometric conformations of each Na (+)(L) complex with a comprehensive analysis of the alpha and beta anomeric forms are determined at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level with single-point energies calculated at MP2(full), B3LYP, and B3P86 levels using a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. This coordinated examination of both experimental work and quantum chemical calculations allows for determination of the bond energy for both the alpha and beta forms of each monosaccharide studied here. An understanding of the energetic contributions of individual structural characteristics as well as the energetic trends in binding among the monosaccharides is developed. Structural characteristics that affect the energetics of binding involve multidentate sodium cation coordination, ring sterics, and hydrogen bonding schemes. The overall trend in sodium binding affinities for the eight ligands follows beta-Ara < alpha-Ara < beta-Xyl < beta-Glc < alpha-Glc < alpha;-Xyl < alpha-Gal < beta-Gal.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Potassium Cation Interactions with the Acidic Amino Acids and Their Amide Derivatives

The binding of K(+) to aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), asparagine (Asn), and glutamine (Gln) is examined in detail by studying the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the four potassium cation-bound amino acid complexes with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Formed by electrospray ionization, these complexes have energy-dependent CID cross sections that are analyzed to provide 0 K bond energies after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-molecule collisions. Quantum chemical calculations for a number of geometric conformations of each K(+)(L) complex are determined at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level with single-point energies calculated at B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels using a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. Theoretical bond dissociation energies are in good agreement with the experimental values. This coordinated examination of both experimental work and quantum chemical calculations allows for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular interactions of K(+) with the Asx and Glx amino acids. K(+) binding affinities for the amide complexes are systematically stronger than those for the acid complexes by 9+/-1 kJ/mol, which is attributed to an inductive effect of the OH group in the carboxylic acid side chain. Additionally, the K(+) binding affinity for the longer-chain amino acids (Glx) is enhanced by 5+/-1 kJ/mol compared to the shorter-chain Asx because steric effects are reduced. Further, a detailed comparison between experimental and theoretical results reveals interesting differences in the binding of K(+) and Na(+) to these amino acids.