The application of pyrolytic methylation and esterification to the mass spectrometric sequencing of N-protected peptides

Abstract

Amino protecting groups suitable for mass spectrometric peptide sequencing by pyrolytic methylation are described. Aldehyde and β- diketone condensates of peptide trimethylanilinium (TMAH) salts are conveniently prepared in a one-step reaction. Mass spectrometric sequencing by pyrolytic methylation is possible without further purification or isolation of the N-protected peptide trimethyl- anilinium salts.