GC-MS can be used to study liquid, gaseous or solid samples. Analysis begins with the gas chromatograph, where the sample is effectively vaporized into the gas phase and separated into its various components using a capillary column coated with a stationary (liquid or solid) phase. The compounds are propelled by an inert carrier gas such as helium, hydrogen or nitrogen. As components of the mixture are separated, each compound elutes from the column at a different time based on its boiling point and polarity. The time of elution is referred to as a compound's retention time. GC has the capacity to resolve complex mixtures or sample extracts containing hundreds of compounds.

Once the components leave the GC column, they are ionized and fragmented by the mass spectrometer using electron or chemical ionization sources. Ionized molecules and fragments are then accelerated through the instrument’s mass analyzer, which quite often is a quadrupole or ion trap. It is here that ions are separated based on their different mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios. GC-MS data acquisition can be performed in either full scan mode, to cover either a wide range of m/z ratios, or selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode, to gather data for specific masses of interest.

The final steps of the process involve ion detection and analysis, with fragmented ions appearing as a function of their m/z ratios. Peak areas, meanwhile, are proportional to the quantity of the corresponding compound. When a complex sample is separated by GC-MS, it will produce many different peaks in the gas chromatogram and each peak generates a unique mass spectrum used for compound identification. Using extensive commercially available libraries of mass spectra, unknown compounds and target analytes can be identified and quantified.

Sample preparation

Samples for GC-MS analyses often need to be separated from complex and dirty matrices before being introduced into the gas chromatograph. Different manual and automated sample extraction processes are often used prior to gas chromatography. These processes differ depending on the sample matrix, the degree of selectivity required and the initial cleanliness of the samples. Automated on-line sample preparation with sample injection into a GC-MS is possible through robotic autosamplers, which can replace many basic and more complex manual sample handling operations.

GC columns represent the stationary phase and separation tool of a gas chromatography analysis. The stationary phase ensures that different compounds are adequately separated and eluted from the column at different times. Different types of columns with different stationary phases can be used for different applications, such as determining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or dioxins. They can be designed to separate polar or non-polar compounds or process samples at different speeds. It is important that columns do not release stationary phase compounds, thus providing minimal background signal in the resulting chromatogram, sometimes referred to as being “low bleed”. Inertness of GC column material is also a critical factor to considering in order to prevent unwanted chemical interactions with the sample.

GC-MS Applications

From detection of potential toxic chemicals in foods to quantitation of organic contaminants in water or analysis of petroleum products during oil processing, GC-MS can be used for a variety of applications. Explore the sections below to learn about some of the most common analyses performed using these systems.

Food & beverage analysis

GC-MS analysis is integral to ensuring the safety and authenticity of the foods we eat and beverages we drink. From determination of pesticide residues to characterization of ingredients, GC-MS systems provide manufacturers and regulatory agencies with valuable information about the safety of our food supply.

Environmental analysis

GC-MS is a powerful tool for monitoring contaminants in air, water and soil. It is particularly useful for quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides, brominated flame retardants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Metabolomics

GC-MS offers some of the sophisticated analytical technologies required for complex metabolomic analyses. It allows researchers to explore deeper into the metabolome and gain complete coverage of metabolites to support research into primary and secondary metabolites in plants, animals, and microbes. As the applications below demonstrate, HRAM GC-MS is especially well-suited to the challenge of untargeted metabolite identification.

Oil and gas analysis

GC-MS can be used during many stages of petroleum and natural gas testing workflows to determine energy content, CHA, SIMDIS, H2S/organic sulfur content of natural gas and natural gas condensates. Additionally, GC-MS analysis can be used in refinery gas analysis (RGA) and detailed hydrocarbon analysis (DHA) to detect oxygenates, aromatics, BTEX compounds and PAHs in crude oil.