Instrumental Analysis: Mass Spectrometry

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes for Instrumental Analysis focusing on Mass Spectrometry.

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions.

Ionization Source

A component of mass spectrometry that converts sample molecules into ions.

Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Interfacing

The process of coupling chromatography techniques with mass spectrometry to analyze non-volatile samples.

Electrospray Ionization (ESI)

A soft ionization technique used to produce charged ions from a liquid sample.

Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI)

A method that vaporizes samples to produce gaseous ions from neutral molecules, mainly used for polar compounds.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)

An ionization technique that uses a laser to desorb and ionize molecules from a matrix, often used for proteins.

Protonation

The addition of a proton (H+) to a molecule, affecting its charge state in mass spectrometry.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)

A technique involving multiple stages of mass analysis, enabling the fragmentation of ions to study their structure.

Soft Ionization Method

An ionization technique that minimizes fragmentation, preserving the integrity of the ions produced.

Penning Ionization

A process in which an excited atom ionizes a molecule, often involving noble gases.