matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI- TOF) mass spectrometry was used for the characterization of tetrathiafulvalene compounds. Under the experimental conditions of MALDI-TOF, the samples could be easily desorpted and ionized into singly charged ions. The mass spectra with mono isotope resolution thus could be obtained. The mass analytical results of twenty-six compounds showed that for the tetrathiafulvalene compounds MALDI-TOF was more effective, more convenient than other mass spectrometry methods. The problem that some tetrathiafulvalene compounds could not be identified by mass spectrometry was also resolved.

Key words: TIME-OFF FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETRY, TETRATHIAFULVALENE, STRUCTURE CHARACTERISTICS