Mass Spectrometry Detects Molecular Weight
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that can accurately measure the masses of molecules and atoms. This is primarily done by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions. Mass spectrometry is also employed for the structural determination of compounds, for example, by measuring the masses of molecular ions and fragment ions.
1. Operational Principles of Mass Spectrometry
A mass spectrometer consists of three main components: an ion source, a mass analyzer, and an ion detector. The ion source initiates the process by converting sample molecules into ions. The mass analyzer then separates these ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Finally, the ion detector measures the ions, producing a signal whose intensity reflects the ions' abundance.
2. Ion Source
Sample molecules are ionized in the ion source using various techniques such as electron impact (EI), chemical ionization (CI), electrospray ionization (ESI), or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).
3. Mass Analyzer
The mass analyzer classifies ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio. Common types include quadrupole, time-of-flight, ion trap, and magnetic sector analyzers.
4. Ion Detector
In the ion detector, ions generate a signal, with the signal's intensity proportional to the ion abundance, typically using an electron multiplier as the detection device.
5. Applications of Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is extensively used to determine the molecular weight of compounds by measuring the mass of molecular ions, positive or negative, formed in the ion source. It also aids in compound identification by analyzing the m/z of ions, including fragment ions that provide structural insights into the original molecule. Additionally, it is used for quantitative analysis, such as measuring the concentration of specific compounds in a sample.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
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