Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GS/MS)
Mass Spectrometry is an analytical technique capable of revealing both the identity and quantity of chemical materials in a sample by breaking the molecules into ionized fragments. The fragments are separated and their mass/charge ratio and relative abundance are measured. From this pattern, the chemical structure can be determined.
A&TS has two Hewlett Packard model 5989B Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometers (GC/MS). For mixtures in solution, a gas chromatograph is interfaced with the spectrometer to separate the individual components prior to analysis. Certain samples can be analyzed directly in solid form. A Particle Beam (PB) interface allows the introduction of less volatile compounds for analysis. The mass analyzer is capable of doing Electron Impact (EI), or Chemical Ionization (CI). The mass range of this instrument is 4 to 2000 amu. Unknown sample mass spectra can be compared with a library exceeding 120,000 compounds.
We typically analyze prepared samples and/or train appropriate users to operate the equipment. We assist in experiment design and spectral interpretation.
