Characterization of dissolved tannins and their metal-ion complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry Original Research Article

Electrospray mass spectrometry was used to characterize metal-complexing ligands derived from tannic acid, a component of natural dissolved organic matter. Complexes formed by tannin ligands with copper and other biogeochemically important metals were identified from the mass-to-charge ratios of the corresponding deprotonated molecular ions, allowing stoichiometry and metal oxidation state to be determined. Ligand ion intensities were proportional to tannic acid concentration, with detection limits on the order of 5 nM for individual compounds in 50:50 water/acetonitrile. The relative abundance of free ligand and complex ions indicated the degree of complexation under different solution conditions (metal concentration, pH, ionic strength). Using tandem mass spectrometry, the structure and principal copper binding site for one of the tannins were also determined, providing unique information with regard to metal complexation by these polyfunctional ligands. The technique can be combined with high performance liquid chromatography for on-line separation of dissolved organic compounds. Results demonstrate the potential of this approach for characterizing the different classes of metal-complexing ligands found in natural waters.