MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NON-CYANIDE GOLD COMPLEX

Abstract

In this work, the possibilities of a mass spectrometry approach towards the characterizations of the electrolyte for decorative gold plating based on mercaptotriazole were studied. All mass spectra were obtained using laser desorption ionization (LDI) method on a commercial matrix assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. The LDI MS spectra of chloroauric acid gave evidence of the presence of a variety of monomeric and polymeric complexes. LDI MS spectra of the electrolyte obtained from chloroauric acid, glycine and mercaptotriazole revealed existence of the ion at m/z 472 which indicated that the complex [Au(NH2CH2COOH)(C2H2N3S)2]- has been formed.