Preface p. xi
A GC/MS Primer p. 1
Introduction p. 3
Why Use GC/MS? p. 4
Interpretation of Fragmentation Data Versus Spectral Library Searching p. 5
The Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer p. 6
Systems and Costs p. 15
Competitive Analytical Systems p. 17
Sample Preparation and Introduction p. 21
Direct Sample Injection into the Mass Spectrometer p. 22
Sample Purification p. 23
Manual GC Injection p. 25
Automated GC/MS Injection p. 27
The Gas Chromatography p. 29
The GC Oven and Temperature Control p. 29
Selecting GC Columns p. 30
Separation Parameters and Resolution p. 32
GC Control Variables p. 34
Derivatives p. 36
The Mass Spectrometer p. 37
Vacuum Pumps p. 37
Interfaces and Sources p. 40
Quadrupole Operation p. 43
The Ion Detector p. 45
Getting Started in GC/MS p. 47
Mode Selection p. 47
Setting Up p. 48
Mass Spectrometer Tuning and Calibration p. 50
Sample Injection and Chromatographic Separation p. 52
Data Collection Processing p. 52
A GC/MS Optimization p. 57
Chromatographic Methods Development p. 59
Isothermal Operation p. 60
Linear Temperature Gradients p. 61
Assisted Re-Equilibration p. 61
Hinge Point Gradient Modification p. 62
Pressure Gradient Development p. 63
Column Replacement p. 64
Mass Spectrometer Setup and Operation p. 67
Mass Spectrometer Calibration with Calibration Gases p. 67
Mass Axis Tuning p. 69
System Tuning for Environmental Analysis p. 71
Acquiring Information p. 73
Data Displays and Library Searches p. 75
Data Processing and Network Interfacing p. 77
Peak Identification and Integration p. 77
Multi-Instrument Control p. 79
Networking Connection p. 80
Replacement Control and Processing Systems p. 80
File Conversion and Data File Exchange p. 81
Data Re-Entry and Transcription Errors p. 83
System Maintenance and Troubleshooting p. 85
Gas Chromatograph Maintenance p. 85
Mass Spectrometer Maintenance p. 87
System Electrical Grounding p. 92
Specific Applications of GC/MS p. 93
GC/MS in The Environmental Laboratory p. 95
Volatile Organic Analysis: EPA Method 624 p. 96
SemiVolatile Organic Analysis: EPA Method 625 p. 100
EPA and State Reporting Requirements p. 105
GC/MS in Forensics, Toxicology, and Space Science p. 109
Forensic Analysis p. 110
Clinical Drug Analysis p. 110
Arson and Security Analysis p. 111
Astrochemistry p. 111
An Introduction to Structural Interpretation p. 113
History of the Sample p. 115
Elemental Composition p. 116
Search for Logical Fragmentation Intervals p. 118
Ion Trap GC/MS Systems p. 119
Ion Trap Components p. 120
Ion Trap Operation p. 120
The Linear Ion Trap Analyzer p. 124
Ion Traps in the Environmental Laboratory p. 125
Chemical Ionization in the Ion Trap p. 125
Ion Trap GC/MS/MS p. 125
Other GC/MS Systems p. 127
Sequential Mass Spectrometry (Triple-Quadrupole or Tandem GC/MS) p. 128
Magnetic Sector Systems p. 130
Laser Time-of-Flight (GC/TOF-MS) GC/MS Systems p. 132
Fourier Transform (GC/FT-MS) GC/MS Systems p. 133
An Introduction to LC/MS p. 137
Liquid Interfacing into the Mass Spectrometer p. 138
Electrospray and Nano-Spray LC/MS p. 139
Ion Spray LC/MS p. 140
LC/MS/MS p. 142
LC/MS Versus GC/MS p. 142
Innovation in GC/MS p. 145
Microfludics in GC/MS p. 146
Resistance Column Heating p. 147
Portable Gas Supply p. 147
Portable GC/MS Systems p. 147
New Column Technology p. 148
GC/MS Frequently Asked Questions p. 151
GC FAQs p. 151
Column FAQs p. 153
MS FAQs p. 153
GC/MS FAQs p. 155
GC/MS Troubleshooting Quick Reference p. 159
GC Injector Problems p. 159
GC Column Problems p. 160
MS Vacuum and Power Problems p. 162
MS Source and Calibration Problems p. 163
MS Sensitivity and Detector Problems p. 164
Sources of GC/MS Background Contamination p. 165
A Glossary of GC/MS Terms p. 167
GC/MS Selected Reading List p. 173
Journals p. 173
Books p. 173
Index p. 175