Analytical methods using hydrogen/deuterium exchange are provided which
reduce or eliminate the back-exchange of deuterium for hydrogen. The
methods, which are useful in protein and peptide mapping, include the
steps of (a) providing a peptide or protein comprising a solvent
accessible hydrogen; (b) exchanging the solvent accessible hydrogen for a
deuterium; (c) separating the peptide or protein with supercritical fluid
chromatography; and (d) analyzing by mass spectrometry the mass of the
separated peptide or protein. Supercritical fluid chromatography enables
the observation of fast exchanging hydrogen atoms missed using
conventional liquid chromatography methods.