PEPTIDE FRAGMENTATION

The present invention relates to a method of identifying a polypeptide using a class of novel, water-stable reagents. More specifically, the method accordi ng to the invention comprises the steps of (a) derivatization in an aqueous solution of the N-terminus of the polypeptide, or the N-termini of one more peptides of the polypeptide, with at least one acidic reagent which comprise s a sulfonyl moiety coupled to an activated acid moiety to provide one or more peptide derivatives; (b) analyzing at least one such derivative using a mass spectrometric technique to provide a fragmentation pattern; and (c) interpreting the fragmentation pattern. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a kit and novel reagents for use in the present method.