Mass spectrometry & spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry and spectroscopy are analytical techniques used to identify and quantify substances based on their mass and the interaction of light with matter. Mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to determine molecular structure and composition. Spectroscopy analyses how different wavelengths of light are absorbed, emitted, or scattered by a sample, providing insights into its chemical properties. These methods are essential in fields like chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science for precise and detailed analysis of complex mixtures.

The predominant techniques in this sector are: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. GC-MS combines gas chromatography, which separates volatile compounds, with mass spectrometry, which identifies and quantifies these compounds based on their mass-to-charge ratio. It's widely used in environmental analysis, forensic science, and food safety testing. LC-MS pairs liquid chromatography, which separates compounds in liquid form, with mass spectrometry. It's effective for analyzing complex mixtures, especially in pharmaceuticals and biomolecule studies. IR spectroscopy measures the absorption of infrared light by molecules, providing information about molecular vibrations and functional groups. It's commonly used in organic chemistry to identify compounds. Raman spectroscopy measures the scattering of light as it interacts with molecular vibrations. It complements IR spectroscopy and is particularly useful for studying molecular structures, even in aqueous solutions or living cells.