Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry Assisted Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

Abstract

Metallo-supramolecular chemistrybasedonthereversible, directional, and predictable noncovalent interaction of metal-ligand coordination has been widely applied in constructing a myriad of two- and threedimensional supramolecules with sophisticated structures. The development of metallo-supramolecular chemistry highly relies on facile characterization methods. For advancement of structural complexity with desired functions, however, conventional crystallographicandspectroscopiccharacterizationsarelimited by crystal growth, sample purity, and severe signal overlaps. With high sensitivity and low requirement for purity, multidimensional mass spectrometry (MS), includingelectrospray ionization-MS(ESI-MS), tandem MS (MS2), and ion mobility-MS (IM-MS), is emerging as an essential analytical tool for characterization of the chemical compositions, connectivity, stability, shape, and size of metallo-supramolecules, as well as kinetic and thermodynamic features of self-assembly processes. Thus, this review mainly focuses on the recentdevelopment ofmultidimensionalMSinmetallosupramolecular characterization and discusses how ESI-MS, MS2, and IM-MS assist the development of metallo-supramolecular chemistry.