Highly reactive glycosyl chlorides and bromides have been analysed by a routine mass
spectrometric method using electrospray ionization and lithium salt adduct-forming
agents in anhydrous acetonitrile solution, providing salient lithiated molecular ions
[M+Li]+, [2M+Li]+ etc. The role of other adduct-forming salts has also been evaluated.
The lithium salt method is useful for accurate mass determination of these highly
sensitive compounds.
