文摘
Carminic acid, isolated from cochineal, was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Application of both techniques to the analysis of carminic acid suspended in linseed oil and applied to a piece of canvas, demonstrated the ability of MALDI and ESI-MS to identify this organic dye in a mixture as those used in easel painting.