What will you learn on this course?
This course is an introduction to mass spectral interpretation, aimed at presenting the fundamental tools and rules when examining high quality full-scan GC-MS data. Every analyst using GC-MS should have a fundamental understanding of how a mass spectrum is generated and if a library match is correct or not.
This course takes this a step further to enhance mass spectral knowledge. From learning to quickly recognise from the spectrum if the analyte is aliphatic or aromatic in nature; to learning to interpret the number of carbon atoms, heteroatoms and degree of unsaturation; and understand isotopes, isomers, logical losses, cleavages and rearrangements to produce a mass spectral fingerprint of the compound. The course is classroom based and combines powerpoint presentations to introduce the theory with a high proportion of exercises on spectral data to reinforce the topics learned.
If you wish to learn the fundamentals of mass spectral interpretation for the identification of unknowns or to enhance your understanding of fragmentation patterns produced from GC-MS analysis to aid in accurate identification when using library search programs, then this course is for you.
Who is this course for?
This course is recommended for these who have a good background in chemistry and at least six months experience as a GC-MS operator.
Learning outcomes:
- You will learn the fundamentals of EI mass spectral interpretation for GC-MS
- You will learn how to obtain high quality mass spectra and its importance
- You will learn how electron ionisation occurs and review isotopes and isomers
- You will learn simple techniques to recognise and elucidate spectra
- You will learn how to observe fragmentation patterns for hydrocarbons and heteroatoms
- You will learn how to interpret the number of carbon atoms in molecules
- You will learn how to use advanced tools to interpret spectra such as molecular ion, nitrogen rules, degree of unsaturation and losses
- You will learn the importance of alpha and inductive cleavages and rearrangement
