Gas Chromatography Essay

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Mass Spectrometry According to R.William, in order to measure the characteristics of individual molecules, a mass spectrometer converts them to ions so that they can roam about and be manipulated by external electrical and magnetic fields. Since ions are very reactive and short-lived, their formation and manipulation must be conducted in vacuum. Atmospheric pressure must be around 760 torr (mm of mercury). The pressure under which ions may be handled is roughly 10-5 to 10-8 torr (less than a billionth of an atmosphere). In one common procedure, ionization is affected by a high energy beam of electrons and ion separation is achieved by accelerating and focusing the ions in a beam, which is then bent by an external magnetic field. The ions are then detected electronically and the resulting information is stored and analyzed in a computer. A mass spectrometer operating in this fashion is outlined in the following diagram. According to Dr. E.A.Alison, for large samples such as biomolecules, molecular masses can be measured to within an accuracy of 0.01% of the total molecular mass of the sample. This is sufficient to allow minor mass changes to be detected. For small organic molecules, the molecular mass can be measured to within an accuracy of 5ppm or less, which is often sufficient to confirm the molecular formula of a compound and is also a standard requirement for publication in a chemical journal. According to Iowa State University of Science and Technology homepage, mass spectrometry uses an instrument called a mass spectrometer. The main components of a mass spectrometer are: 1. Inlet system Liquid chromatography (LC) Gas chromatography (GC) Ion source Electron Impact (EI) Chemical Ionization (CI) Secondary Ions Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) Etc. 3. Mass analyzer Quadrupole TOF Ion Trap Magnetic Sector 4. Detector
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