The study of meta-stable positive ions with a double-focussing mass spectrometer: Part II. Methods used to study “meta-stable peaks” and the sensitivity achieved with a toluene sample

Abstract

The sensitivity of the model RMH-2 mass spectrometer for the study of decompositions of meta-stable ions is illustrated in the case of toluene. “Meta-stable peaks” corresponding to about 1 or 2 p.p.m. of base peak intensity can be detected. A method for scanning the mass spectrum with fixed ion accelerating voltage at a series of pre-selected electric sector voltages is described and its advantages discussed. This has enabled many new decomposition processes to be detected.