Electrospray MS spectra of the RNAs derivatized with the 2′-selenium functionality. (A) The RNA 8mer (GGCGUSeGCC), C77H98N31O54P7Se, isotopic mass: 2617.3, measured (calc.) m/z: [M]2–: 1307.5 (1307.7); [M]3–: 871.4 (871.4); [M]4–: 653.4 (653.3). (B) The RNA 12mer (GCUSeGGACGCAGG): C117H146N51O80P11Se, isotopic mass: 3965.5, measured (calc.) m/z: [M]3–: 1320.8 (1320.8); [M]4–: 990.4 (990.4); [M]5–: 792.1 (792.1); [M]6–: 660.0 (659.9).