Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry

We offer a comprehensive suite of GC-MS systems for every application, from our triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS (GCMS-TQ8040 NX and GCMS-TQ8050 NX) to our single quadrupole GC-MS (GCMS-QP2020 NX and GCMS-QP2050), as well as a variety of accessories and software to enhance your GC-MS analysis. Here’s a guide to GC-MS and Shimadzu’s GC-MS instruments, which offer superior performance, enhanced sensitivity, durable hardware, and reliable operation for all our users and their applications.

What is gas chromatography/mass spectrometry?

GC/MS combines two analytical approaches to arrive at incredibly sophisticated testing technology, offering a powerful tool to qualify and quantify compounds – even when they exist in mere trace amounts. The technology relies on gas chromatography (GC) to separate from volatile to semi-volatile organic molecules while leveraging the innovation of mass spectrometry (MS) to calculate their exact mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio, offering a sophisticated analysis of the test sample. GC-MS instruments provide added specificity and sensitivity in testing and are widely accepted as the gold standard for separation and analysis. Because of this, the application of GC-MS is broad, with many industries finding its accuracy invaluable. Cosmetics companies, for example, look to GC-MS to analyze the existence of allergens in their products, while beverage brands utilize this technology to maintain quality and consistency in the brewing process. You’ll find Shimadzu’s range of application-specific GC-MS here.

How does GC-MS work?

Taking place in sequence, GC-MS analysis begins with GC, whereby the sample mixture is injected into the injection port and vaporized into gaseous compounds. It then flows into a thermally controlled column with inert gas. Here, with the continual flow of carrier gas, the compounds are separated based on their boiling points and differential adsorption on a porous solid or liquid support. At this point, the separated compounds are eluted from the column, entering the MS phase of the analysis. The gaseous eluted compounds are immediately ionized and fragmented based on their mass-to-charge ratios, so the intensity of each ion can be measured and recorded in a series of mass spectra. To sum up the intensities of every mass spectral peak in the sample, GC-MS produces a mass chromatogram, giving its users an incredibly detailed and accurate analysis of the sample. It’s important to note that MS is one of many GC detectors, but, unlike others, it can perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses. GC-MS testing separates and quantifies multi-component samples and complex matrices and has the capability to identify unknown compounds – a clear indicator of the precision and reliability advantages of GC-MS. Data such as retention time, molecular weight and mass spectra obtained from GC-MS can be retrieved and used for a spectral library search. Plus, with specific software, the GC-MS can calculate the accurate mass and estimate the molecular composition, too, highlighting how valuable GC-MS testing is for precise and detailed analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the principles of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry?

Gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are two analytical techniques that are combined to achieve precise and reliable volatile and semi-volatile organic molecules analysis. GC is a technique that separates complex mixtures into individual components so they can be identified and quantified. When coupled with the detection capabilities of MS, it can be used to quantify analytes, identify unknown peaks, and determine trace levels of contamination. GC-MS testing is a powerful technique and a preferred method for the analysis of small and volatile molecules. It’s also well-recognized for its ability to conduct unknown compound analysis and multi-component quantitation.

Why is gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry?

Combining the capabilities of GC with MS offers users enhanced sensitivity and compound identification. This two-part analysis leverages the highly sensitive detection technique afforded by MS, allowing GC-MS to evaluate the ionized compounds of a sample and measure the intensity of each ion.

What are the benefits of GC-MS testing?

GC-MS analysis offers incredible sensitivity, analyzing mere traces of existing molecules. This offers its users cutting-edge precision across numerous industries and applications. GC-MS testing separates and quantifies multi-component samples and complex matrices and can identify unknown compounds of particular importance in multiple industries including pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.

Is GC-MS analysis qualitative or quantitative?

One of the reasons that GC-MS analysis is widely accepted as the gold standard is that it can perform both qualitative analysis, whereby it identifies compounds, and quantitative analysis, meaning it measures their concentrations, too. As this mode of testing gives its users precise and detailed analysis of both the molecular composition and the respective quantities, GC-MS analysis is popular in many industries including forensic science, food, environmental testing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and cosmetics.

What is the process of GC-MS testing?

GC-MS analysis starts with a sample mixture being injected into the injection port – the GC phase of the process. It’s then vaporized into gaseous compounds and flows into a thermally controlled column via carrier gas before being separated into individual compounds. The separated compounds are then eluted from the column and are immediately ionized and fragmented based on their mass-to-charge ratios so the intensity of each ion can be measured. This is the MS phase of the analysis. Ion intensities are recorded against the mass-to-charge ratio and are displayed via a series of mass spectrometers. To sum up the intensities of each mass spectral peak in the sample, the GC-MS produces a mass chromatogram, which offers users in all industries precise and accurate qualitative and quantitative data on the sample they are testing.