COURSE OVERVIEW
Who is this course for?
Users of GC-MS equipment, or anyone interested in structural elucidation by GC-MS.
Previous Knowledge
A good working knowledge of the technique is required. A basic knowledge of organic chemistry is advantageous but not essential.
What you will learn
- How to optimise instrument and method parameters to obtain high-quality spectral data
- Ionisation and fragmentation mechanisms in GC-MS
- The logical evolution of an ‘Interpretation Toolkit & with a multitude of practice spectra with worked solution on which to practise new skills
- The fundamental spectral interpretation toolkit, and how to use it when confronted with the mass spectrum of an unknown
COURSE OUTLINE
GC-MS Data Acquisition & Optimization
- Acquisition settings: resolution, scan types, and data-dependent acquisition
- Full-scan vs. selected ion monitoring (SIM)
- Sensitivity and detection limits
Ionization & Fragmentation Techniques
- Electron ionization (EI) fragmentation pathways
- Using chemical ionization (CI) to determine molecular weight
- Soft ionization techniques for complex samples
Signal Optimization & Noise Reduction
- Improving signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)
- Addressing matrix effects & background contamination
- Dealing with co-elution and spectral deconvolution
GC-MS Spectral Interpretation & Structural Elucidation
- Basics of mass spectral interpretation
- Identifying molecular ions vs. fragment ions
- Library searching (e.g., NIST, Wiley) for compound identification
- Isotopic patterns and adduct formation
- Molecular ion verification strategies
- Ring double bond equivalents (DBE) & empirical formula calculations
- Deconvolution of overlapping peaks
- Matching experimental spectra with library databases
- Understanding fragmentation patterns for structural elucidation
Understanding Mass Spectra
Molecular Ion Identification & Confirmation
Advanced Interpretation Techniques
Application Areas of GC-MS
- Environmental pollutant analysis
- TDrug testing and toxicology
- Food safety and pesticide residue detection
- Metabolomics and biomarker discovery
Q&A and Closing Discussion
- Summary of Key Concepts
- Open Discussion on Challenges Faced in GC-MS
- Resources for Further Learning