Chemistry departments rely on several shared analytical tools, sometimes organized in an analytical core lab.  Traditional tools including UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, and atomic absorption spectrometers along with gas and liquid chromatography systems provide a wealth of information for researchers and are also used at teaching tools in upper-level undergraduate courses. One tool that is often lacking in some departments is mass spectrometry, ideally coupled to liquid chromatography (LC-MS).  Nevertheless, LC-MS is a valuable tool for a variety of tasks such as chemical structure confirmation, impurity identification, peptide and protein mass confirmation, metabolite and lipid profiling, and oligonucleotide characterization.  Mass spectrometers have generally been considered for two types of measurements – quantitative and qualitative analysis.  Quantitative analysis is often performed on triple-quadrupole instruments, as accurate mass platforms traditionally lack the sensitivity and dynamic range for these measurements.  Previously considered only for qualitative analysis because of their high resolving power, newer QTOF instruments provide a compelling option as they can also produce highly quantitative data.<br/><br/>In addition to the value that LC-MS brings to undergraduate research and teaching labs, graduates with LC-MS experience will have competitive advantages as they enter the workforce or continue their education in graduate school.<br/><br/>Obstacles to wide adoption of LC-MS technology in undergraduate departments include cost, but also the perception that advanced training in mass spectrometry is required for both operation and maintenance of these systems.  Recent advances have simplified both the hardware and software control of these systems, such that they are now accessible to inexperienced or novice users.  Instrument manufacturers now provide online resources for instrument familiarization and training.  Maintenance contracts can be customized to meet the ongoing service needs of the department.  Financing options help address the upfront cost of the technology.

Robust QTOF mass spectrometer - a tool for research, chemistry instruction and core labs

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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