Application of ion mobility MS (IM-MS) for crude oil analysis has been limited by the length of the separation path length. One way of increasing the length is via a multi-pass approach. In this study, traveling wave (TW)-enabled cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry (cIM-MS) has been applied to study structures of chemicals in complex mixture such as crude oil. With cIM-MS, mobility separation can be performed with mutiple passes.<br/>Samples were introduced via direct infusion, using a Harvard syringe pump, into an APPI source coupled to the cIM-MS instrument. A sample flow rate of 300 uL/hour was used. Mass spectra were acquired over the m/z 50–1000 range. Ions were subjected to mobility separation in the cIM, with selection and re-injection sequences to effect precursor ion selection for MS/MS experiments.<br/>The capability of a novel cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry to isolate peaks separated only by 0.1 Dalton was demonstrated. The instrument’s unique two-dimensional separation capability enabled the isolation within narrow m/z window. The isolated ions were fragmented for further structural elucidation. The information obtained by this approach provided structural information of compounds existing in complex mixture. For an example, peaks separated by two hydrogen atoms but with the same number of carbon atoms were analyzed. Despite that the molecular weights of precursor ions were increased, the m/z values of the observed fragments were decreased. This is related with their structural feature. CCS values were also observed from the fragmented ions and they were combined with theoretical CCS calculation for structural identification.

Structural elucidation of chemicals in crude oils with cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.