| A
gas chromatograph/ mass spectrometer (GC-MS) is an instrument that is capable
of separating the component compounds in mixtures and then providing information
about the identity of each compound. The gas chromatograph (GC) portion
separates the compounds while the mass spectrometer (MS) is used to analyze
them. The MS indirectly provides the molecular weight. Also,
it fragments molecules into smaller pieces. Depending on the molecular
weight of these pieces (more precisely, their mass/charge ratio), it is
possible to elucidate the molecular structure. GC-MS is often used
for analyzing environmental pollutants, drug metabolites, and mixtures
resulting from chemical reactions. |
Instruments
and Facilities
Gas
Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrometer