Electrospray mass spectrometry of fossil fuels

Exploratory experiments with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry have been carried out on crude oil, jet fuel, gasoline, and coal. The resulting mass spectra contain a remarkable amount of information on the composition and character of these sometimes very complex materials. They suggest that electrospray ionization may have found a new arena in which to exercise its powers. (Int J Mass Spectrom 194 (2000) 197-208) (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.