The course is designed for chromatographer looking to start using LC-MS, rather than for Mass Spec experts looking to work with HPLC. It lasts for one day, and is classroom based. This course is presented by Prof Tony Mallett from the University of Greenwich, who has a lifetime of experience in LC-MS!

Mass Spec detection is the future of HPLC. More than 50% of chromatographer are reported to be using or interested in LC-MS. Instruments are being developed at a record pace. Costs will fall. Soon everyone will have one, and it will no longer be acceptable to assume peak identification based solely on retention time. This course is therefore for all HPLC users

Types of interface and ionisation source

Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation, APCI

Electrospray Ionisation, ESI

Electron Ionisation, EI

Chemical Ionisation, CI

Continuous Flow Fast Atom Bombardment, CF-FAB

Particle Beam followed by EI, CI or FAB

Matrix Assisted Laser-assisted Desorption and ionisation, MALDI

Thermospray Ionisation.

Types of Mass Analyser

Quadrupole (Quad, Q)

Ion trap

Time of Flight (TOF)

Sector

FT Mass Spec

Principles of Mass Spec

Mass:Charge ratio, M/Z

Resolution

Molecular Ions

Total Ion Count

Stick spectra

Isotopes, and calculation of molecular weights

Satellite peaks

Sensitivity

Single Ion Monitoring

Quantitation

Use of Mass Spec for the analysis of known compounds

Single Quad, TOF

Molecular Ions, M+1, M-1, M+23, M+39

Identification of Impure peaks

Use of Mass Spec for the characterisation of unknowns.

Triple Quads

Ion traps

Hybrids such as Q-TOF

Fragmentation patterns

Interpretation of the results

Columns for LC-MS

Microbore

Use of low flow rates

Injection volume

Sample concentration

Use of buffers

Mass Spectra and the interpretation of the results, including a series of examples done as a group exercise.