Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry implemented on a bench-top quadrupole ion trap-based instrument using random noise to effect collision-induced dissociation

Abstract

A simple and effective method for collision-induced dissociation (CID), implemented through application of random noise to an end-cap electrode, allows gas chromatography (GC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) experiments to be performed on a commercial bench-top quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Details of the random noise CID experiment, the characteristics of the noise spectrum, and the effect of varying noise spectrum and ion trap parameters on MS-MS spectra are discussed using N,N-diethylaniline as a model compound. Compromises to the technique imposed by current software flexibility limitations are also discussed. GC-MS-MS spectra, generated using random noise CID, are shown for methamphetamine and amphetamine ionized via isobutane chemical ionization.