Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Instrument: various GC-MS systems are available

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry involves the direct interfacing of gas phase chromatographic separations with the selectivity and specificity of mass spectrometric detection. The result is an instrument that is an essential component of analytical chemistry workflows.

Gas chromatography is the technique of choice for separation of small volatile chemicals. Mixtures of analytes are applied to a column and eluted roughly in order of boiling point straight into the mass spectrometer.

Inside the mass spectrometer, analyte molecules are ionised with a beam of electrons and mass measurement takes place. Ionisation leads to some decomposition of the analytes hence the mass of the decomposition products can also be measured.

GC-MS produces an analytical 'fingerprint' of each substance analysed which allows it to be identified by comparison to databases. It is useful for trace analysis and is an essential tool in certain forensic science applications.
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