The fast atom bombardment mass spectra of 24 alpha-amino acids have been studied. These include the mass spectra as well as the metastable ion MI and collisional activation CA spectra of [M + H]+ and [M - H]- ions. The extent of the common neutral losses as NH3, H2O and CO2H2 in the positive ion spectra is governed by the nature of the side chain. The relationship between the fragmentation behaviour of the negative ions and the presence of particular functional groups is less obvious. Mixtures of amino acids in glycerol show pronounced surface effects.