Potential Analytical Applications of Interfacing a GC to an FT-ICR MS:  Fingerprinting Complex Sample Matrixes

Details of interfacing a high-pressure gas chromatograph to the internal ion source of a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS) are described. We present our preliminary results and potential analytical applications of GC/FT-ICR for analyzing complex biological and environmental sample matrixes, such as petroleum mixtures. Based on GC/FT-ICR data, rapid characterization of various automobile gasoline samples is possible. Comparison between acquired data from the GC/FT-ICR MS (in broadband mode) and a commercial GC quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) (over a wide mass range) indicates that sensitivity of the GC/FT-ICR MS is an order of magnitude lower. High mass resolution and mass measurement accuracy of FT-ICR MS can be utilized for unambiguous molecular formula identification of unknown analytes.