📋 Workflow
Full workflow, products add-to-cart directly1
Sample preparation
10 minPrepare at suitable concentration in an ionizable solvent; choose inlet for the ionization mode.
💡 Tip Use low concentration in ESI to avoid agglomeration
⚠️ Caution Salts/surfactants suppress ionization
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2
Choose the ionization mode
10 minSelect ESI/APCI/MALDI by polarity; use positive mode for basic compounds.
💡 Tip Use APCI or EI for neutral/nonpolar analytes
⚠️ Caution High salt fouls the ESI source
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3
Acquire data
15–30 minAfter tuning, acquire full scan for the molecular ion, add MS/MS fragments as needed.
💡 Tip HRMS confirms the exact formula
⚠️ Caution Don't mistake Na⁺/K⁺ adducts for the molecular ion
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4
Interpret spectra
15 minIdentify molecular ion, isotope pattern, and key fragments to propose a structure.
💡 Tip Isotope patterns reveal Cl/Br/S content
⚠️ Caution Fragment assignment needs structural chemistry judgment
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⚠️ 5 Common Beginner Mistakes
- ① Misreading adducts as the molecular ion
- ② Fouled source drifts the signal
- ③ Over-concentration gives dimers
- ④ No tuning makes masses inaccurate
- ⑤ Ignoring isotope patterns misses halogens
❓ FAQ
+How to confirm formula?
Fit exact HRMS mass and isotope pattern to elements.
+ESI or APCI?
ESI for polar/thermolabile; APCI for mid-polar thermally stable.
+Can MS judge purity?
It helps, but quantitative purity needs LC-MS or HPLC.