Flying High with Sensitivity and Selectivity: GC–MS to GC–MS/MS

Abstract

Mass spectrometry (MS), often termed mass selective detection, is the most powerful detector available for gas chromatography (GC). Multidimensional mass spectrometry (MS/MS) takes mass selective detection to another level on benchtop systems, offering both universal and selective detection along with low detection limits. In this installment of “GC Connections,” we review the fundamentals of MS/MS and how they relate to MS as a detector for GC. We see how using full-scan analyses can make the detector universal, and how, by using selected ion monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring, the detector can be so selective and noise-free that femtogram quantitative analysis is commonplace. We then examine some scenarios that should lead analysts to consider using GC–MS/MS to solve complex problems.