Temperature of peptide ions generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and their dissociation kinetic parameters.

Product ion yields in postsource decay and photodissociation at 193 and 266 nm were measured for some peptide ions without a basic amino acid residue ([Y(6) + H](+), [F(5) + H](+), and [YPFVEPI + H](+)) generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). Data indicated statistical nature for the dissociation processes. Assuming that peptide ions formed by MALDI are in thermal equilibrium at temperature T and that their dissociation rate constants are specified by the critical energy (E(0)) and entropy (DeltaS(double dagger)), a method based on kinetic analysis was devised to determine these parameters simultaneously. The matrix used was found to affect the effective temperature of peptide ions, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (400-430 K) < sinapinic acid (440 K) < alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (460-510 K), in agreement with previous perceptions. E(0) of around 0.6 eV and DeltaS(double dagger) of -24 eu were smaller than previous quantum chemical results for small model peptide ions.