Femtosecond ionization mass spectrometry for chromatographic detection

Mass spectrometry is now in widespread use for the detection of the analytes separated by chromatog-raphy. Electron ionization is the most frequently used method in mass spectrometry. However, this ion-ization technique sometimes suffers from extensive fragmentation of analytes, which makes identification difficult. A photoionization technique has been developed for suppressing this fragmentation and for sub-sequently observing a molecular ion. A variety of lasers have been employed for the sensitive and selec-tive ionization of organic compounds. A femtosecond laser has a high peak power and is preferential for efficient ionization as well as for suppressing fragmentation, providing valuable information concerning molecular weight and chemical structure as well. In this review, we report on applications of femtosec-ond ionization mass spectrometry combined with gas chromatography. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Mass spectrometry is widely used for detecting analytes separated by chromatography, with electron ionization being the most common method but prone to fragmentation. A photoionization technique has been developed to suppress fragmentation and observe molecular ions, with femtosecond lasers preferred for efficient ionization and suppression of fragmentation.