Alpha-Cyano-4-Hydroxy-3-Iodocinnamic Acid as a Matrix in Maldi Mass Spectrometry

A method for performing MALDI-MS, said comprising:

• obtaining a matrix compound of the general formula:
• wherein
• R1 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, or I;
• R2 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, or I;
• R3 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, or I;
• R4 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, or I;
• wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, and R4 is selected from F, Cl, Br, or I;
• dissolving the matrix compound in a water-miscible solution to form a matrix solution;
• applying the matrix solution and an analyte to a MALDI plate;
• allowing the MALDI plate to dry;
• and
• performing MALDI-MS on the MALDI plate.

A method for synthesizing an α-cyano-4-hydroxy-3-iodocinnamic acid matrix material comprising:

• (a) performing a condensation using a cyanoacetic acid, a 4-hydroxy-3-iodobenaldehyde, and a catalyst, where the cyanoacetic acid, the 4-hydroxy-3-iodobenaldehyde, and the ammonium acetate catalyst are mixed and refluxed in a solvent that is at least partially miscible in water and where water formed as a result of the condensation reaction is removed;
• (b) cooling the reaction mixture to a temperature between −10° C. and 60° C.;
• and
• (c) isolating a solid crude product from the reaction mixture.