Imaging polymer supported organic molecules by mass spectrometry Application in combinatorial chemistry

In combinatorial chemistry, most libraries are prepared according to solid-phase synthesis strategies using resins or pins. Although synthesis and purification steps are facilitated, reaction monitoring presents difficulties. Since the polymeric support is not soluble, an analytical method able to cope with a solid sample is thus required to perform direct identification of the anchored molecules without any chemical treatment. Static-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (S-SIMS) was investigated in that purpose. Positive and negative ion mass spectra were acquired to identify single beads whereas mixtures (Mix and Split libraries or pooled beads issued from different batches) were profiled through imaging experiments.