The Power of Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry to Provide Answers to Challenging Industrial and Environmental Questions

Two highly effective techniques used by industry to answer questions associated with material science and quality control, and by forensic and environmental professionals to separate and identify substances from a sample, are gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These analytical methods can be put to use to detect a broad spectrum substances and compounds, even when only a very small sample is available for analysis.

Gas chromatography is a commonly used separation technique in analytical chemistry for organic compounds that can be vaporized without being decomposed or rearranged. The gaseous compounds in the mobile phase, which is an inert carrier gas, interact with a stationary phase, generally a polymer that coats the wall of a column, to allow the compounds to elute at different times. The column is located in an oven where the temperature of the gas in the column is programmed to control the rate of partitioning of the compounds between mobile and stationary phases. The qualitative identification and quantitative measurement of the compounds are determined as they elute onto a selective or non-selective detector specific to the class of organic compounds of interest. 

The same separation techniques as described in GC are utilized in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A sample is introduced into the GC system, vaporized and the compounds are retained on the stationary phase. The compounds elute from the column at different times based on their affinity to the stationary phase into the mass spectrometer (MS) where it will break down each compound into ionized fragments. These fragments are then detected using their mass-to-charge ratio. The most common form of ionization is electron ionization (EI) where the compounds are bombarded with free electrons to fragment them.

To learn more about GC and GC-MS or other material science, research and development, quality control or environmental and forensic services provided by Advanced MicroAnalytical, please visit  www.AdvancedMicroAnalytical.com , call (877) 605-6662 or email  info@AdvancedMicroAnalytical.com .


About Advanced MicroAnalytical
At Advanced MicroAnalytical we are dedicated to providing you and your business with critical insight and knowledge that is essential in the modern era. We provide the testing services and analytical tools for comprehensive understanding of your materials and projects. Our services range from advanced microanalysis of nanotechnology to compositional and functional analysis of large manufactured systems.  Our laboratory services span a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, micro-electronics, nanofabrication, aerospace and defense, environmental engineering – as well as many others. Advanced MicroAnalytical is committed to serving as a valued analytical partner to our clients. We offer unmatched analysis, testing, and services to assist you in your business, environmental, and research challenges. Visit our website at  www.advancedmicroanalytical.com .

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