ABSTRACT
Mass spectrometry, because of its high sensitivity and specificity, provides a unique method for the characterization and determination of a large number of organic compounds. Combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is a well-established method for mixture analysis. The gas chromatograph is used to effect prior separation of the components of a mixture before they enter the mass spectrometer. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be used to study many compounds which are not amenable to GC. The HPLC effluent is mechanically transported into the ion source of the mass spectrometer. Recent advances in HPLC technology include the use of narrow-bore liquid chromatography columns with low flow-rates. On-line Liquid Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) allows chromatographic integrity to be retained and minimizes sample handling and operator time. Hopefully, interest in LC-MS will continue to increase as more people realize that LC-MS can be routine and that it can provide useful information.
