FAST A TOM BOMBARDMENT MASS SPECTROMETRY OF CONDENSED TANNIN SULFONATE DERIV A nVESl

Condensed tannin sulfonate derivatives were studied by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) to assess the feasibilitY of using this technique for determining molecular weilht and structural information about these compounds. Both positiveand negative-ion spectra provided useful data with repro to molecular Weight, cation species present, and presence of the sulfonate moiety. Additional structural information was provided in the spectra of the dimer sulfonates by fragment ions resulting from retro-Diels Alder fission and cleavage of the interflavanoid bond. Overall. negativeion spectra proved to be superior to positive-ion spectra because of less interference ftom matrix ions. FAB-MS holds promise as a technique for analyzing condensed tannin sulfonates yet to be isolated and will help facilitate development of new adhesives made with these compounds.