Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

GC-MS operates on the principle of separating chemical mixtures (GC) and identifying the components at a molecular level (MS). The GC component separates the mixture into individual substances based on their volatility and interaction with the column’s coating. Subsequently, the MS component ionizes the separated molecules, sorts them by their mass-to-charge ratio and generates a unique spectral fingerprint for each

GC act as a separator, isolating the individual components present in a complex mixture. It achieves this by injecting the vaporized sample into a long, narrow column coated with a stationary phase. As the sample travels through the column, the different components interact with the stationary phase to varying degrees. This interaction depends on factors like boiling point and polarity of each component. The component that interact more strongly with the stationary phase take longer time to travel through the column, resulting in a longer retention time. Conversely the component with weaker interaction moves faster and have high retention time.

In mass spectrometry, the separated components by GC are bombarded with high frequency electrons to ionize and causing it to fragment to smaller. These ions are then separated and measured based on their mass-to-charge ratio in the mass analyser. This separation is caused by a magnetic field which bends the stream of the ions with different m/z values to varying degrees. The resulting spectrum, with its unique pattern of ion fragments at specific m/z values, acts as the identifier.

Industries monitor air emissions, wastewater, and soil contamination using GC-MS to comply with environmental regulations and mitigate environmental impacts. It helps in identifying and quantifying pollutants generated from industrial processes, ensuring adherence to emission limits and environmental permits. Food Science and Safety: GC-MS is utilized in the food industry to analyze food additives, contaminants, pesticide residues, and flavor compounds. It ensures food safety, quality control, and compliance with food regulations by detecting harmful substances and monitoring product integrity.

GC-MS plays a crucial role in pharmaceutical research and development, analyzing drug formulations, metabolites, and impurities. It helps in pharmacokinetic studies, stability testing, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

GC-MS is employed in forensic laboratories for the analysis of trace evidence such as drugs, explosives, accelerants, and toxic substances. It aids in criminal investigations, forensic toxicology, and establishing evidence in legal proceedings by identifying and characterizing chemical compounds.

GC-MS is indispensable in the cosmetics and fragrance industry for its ability to provide accurate, sensitive, and comprehensive chemical analysis. It supports product development, quality control, safety assurance, and regulatory compliance, contributing to the production of safe, high-quality cosmetic and fragrance products that meet market demands and regulatory standards.

GC-MS plays a vital role in environmental monitoring and management within the petroleum industry, providing accurate and reliable data for assessing environmental risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting sustainable practices in oil and gas operations.

Textile analysis: Identifies synthetic fibers and helps determine the composition of textile materials.

• Sensitivity and Specificity: Able to detect trace levels of substances.
• Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of chemical analyses.
• Quantitative Analysis: Provides precise concentration measurements.

• Solid Sample – 1 gm.
• Liquid Sample – 10 ml.