Variations in molecular mass distributions observed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry as a function of changes in the ion accelerating voltage and composition of the matrix have been investigated, using the pyridine-insoluble fraction of a coal tar pitch. With increasing ion extraction voltages (10, 20 and 30 kV) and in the absence of added matrix, spectra clearly showed increases in intensity, particularly at higher masses. The use of higher ion extraction voltages may be considered as providing a more complete inventory of ionized species, apparently significantly enhancing the kinetic energy imparted to larger molecular weight materials. Magnitudes of molecular masses at maximum ion intensity observed using a set of different matrices may be ordered as follows: m/z 1500 [dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic (sinapinic) acid], m/z 1400 (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid), m/z 900 [2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)-benzoic acid], m/z 900 (α-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamic acid), m/z 300 (9-anthracenecarboxylic acid) and m/z 300 (no matrix and a sample loading comparable with the with-matrix experiments). Maximum ion intensities, in the absence of matrix, were found at values which varied from about 300 m/z up to about m/z 1500 as sample loading varied from very low (i.e. suitable for with-matrix operation) up to a visibly black spot. In the absence of a quantitatively based criterion for distinguishing between signal and instrument noise at high mass, accurate high mass limits were not available. However, in each case, ion signals could clearly be observed at values greater than m/z 100 000. The present MALDI spectra do not necessarily show the highest molecular mass materials present in the sample. In view of the observed changes in the spectra with ion extraction voltage and matrix composition, it seems conceivable that higher voltages and/or specific matrices, other than those used in the study, may lead to the detection of larger molecules.