Fast-atom-bombardment mass spectra of enkephalins

Abstract

The positive- and negative-ion mass spectra of [methionine]enkephalin and [leucine]enkephalin were obtained by using a fast-atom-bombardment source described previously. This technique has allowed the spectra to be obtained without conversion of the enkephalins into volatile derivatives. The fast-atom-bombardment spectra show good pseudo-molecular-ion sensitivity and fragmentation that can be interpreted on the basis of the known molecular structure.