Mass Spectrometry Services 24-Hour TurnaroundFront of Queue available

Accurate molecular weight determination and compound identification through mass spectrometry analysis.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions to determine molecular weight, confirm molecular formula, and identify compounds. Our Perkin Elmer PE-SCIEX API-150 mass spectrometer provides reliable results for masses between 30-3000 m/z with a 1-2 business day turnaround.

What is Mass Spectrometry?

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that ionizes chemical compounds and sorts the resulting ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The technique provides:

  • Molecular Weight: Accurate determination of the molecular mass of your compound
  • Molecular Formula: Confirmation of elemental composition when combined with high-resolution MS
  • Compound Identity: Verification that your synthesized product matches the expected structure
  • Fragmentation Patterns: Structural information from characteristic fragment ions

Common Applications

Compound Verification

Confirm the molecular weight and identity of synthesized compounds for:

  • Publication requirements
  • Patent applications
  • Research documentation
  • Regulatory submissions
  • Quality control

Reaction Monitoring

Track chemical reactions and confirm product formation:

  • Reaction completion
  • Intermediate identification
  • Side product detection
  • Coupling reaction verification
  • Protecting group removal

Pharmaceutical Analysis

Essential for drug development and quality control:

  • API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) verification
  • Metabolite identification
  • Degradation product analysis
  • Salt and solvate identification

Natural Product Chemistry

Characterize complex natural and synthetic molecules:

  • Molecular weight determination
  • Peptide sequencing support
  • Oligomer characterization
  • Extract analysis
  • Unknown compound identification

Ionization Technique

Our Perkin Elmer PE-SCIEX API-150 is setup for ESI:

ESI (Electrospray Ionization)

Best for: Polar compounds, large molecules (up to 3000 m/z), biomolecules

Advantages:

  • Soft ionization - minimal fragmentation
  • Excellent for molecules with ionic groups
  • Multiple charging for large molecules
  • Ideal for peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides

Typical Applications:

  • Pharmaceutical compounds
  • Peptides and small proteins
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Nucleotides and oligonucleotides
  • Polar organic molecules

What You'll Receive

Your mass spectrometry analysis includes:

Mass Spectrum

High-quality mass spectrum showing m/z values and relative intensities in PDF format

Interpretation

Expert spectral interpretation available upon request

Understanding Your Mass Spectrum

Mass spectrometry results show peaks corresponding to ions with specific mass-to-charge ratios (m/z):

Common Ion Types:

Ion Type Notation Description Example (MW = 300 Da)
Protonated Molecular Ion [M+H]⁺ Molecule + proton (most common in ESI) m/z = 301
Sodium Adduct [M+Na]⁺ Molecule + sodium ion (23 Da) m/z = 323
Potassium Adduct [M+K]⁺ Molecule + potassium ion (39 Da) m/z = 339
Doubly Charged [M+2H]²⁺ Two protons added m/z = 151
Dimerized (positive) [2M+1H]⁺ Two target molecules + 1 proton m/z = 601
Deprotonated Ion [M-H]⁻ Molecule - proton (negative mode) m/z = 299
Chlorine Adduct [M-Cl]⁻ Molecule + Chlorine (35) (negative mode) m/z = 335
Dimerized (negative) [2M-1H]⁻ Two target molecules - 1 proton m/z = 599

Sample Requirements

Sample Amount

  • Minimum: 1-2 mg for most compounds
  • Less material may be sufficient for highly ionizable compounds

Sample Form

  • Physical form: Solid, liquid, or solution
  • Purity: Higher purity gives cleaner spectra
  • Solubility: Note if poorly soluble
  • Salts: Identify if compound is a salt form

Sample Preparation Tips:

  • Solvents: Sample can be provided in solid form (please note if not soluble in MeOH) or in solution. If providing sample in solution please note concentration
  • Salt contaminants: Excessive sodium or potassium can cause multiple adduct peaks - consider desalting if possible
  • Expected MW: Always provide expected molecular weight or range to scan on your submission form
  • Sensitivity: Some compounds ionize poorly - mention if you've had MS issues before
  • Stability: Note if compound is air/moisture sensitive or thermally unstable

Complete Characterization: MS + NMR + EA

For comprehensive compound characterization, mass spectrometry is typically combined with other analytical techniques:

Technique What It Tells You Why Combine with MS
NMR Spectroscopy Detailed structure, connectivity, stereochemistry MS confirms molecular weight, NMR reveals structure
Elemental Analysis Elemental composition (C, H, N, S percentages) MS + EA together confirm molecular formula
H-1 NMR Proton count and environment Verifies structure after MS confirms MW
C-13 NMR Carbon skeleton and functional groups Complete structural elucidation

Publication Tip: Most journals require at least two independent methods for compound characterization. The typical combination is MS + NMR (H-1 and C-13) or MS + EA + NMR.

Our Mass Spectrometer

Perkin Elmer PE-SCIEX API-150 Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Our laboratory is equipped with a Perkin Elmer PE-SCIEX API-150 featuring:

  • Electrospay Ionization (ESI): for soft ionization
  • Single Quadrupole: Reliable molecular weight determination and selected ion monitoring
  • Mass Range: 30-3000 m/z covers most organic compounds
  • Positive and Negative Ion Mode: Flexible analysis for different compound classes
  • Direct Infusion: direct flow injection
  • Regular Calibration: Maintained with certified calibration standards

Turnaround Time & Service Options

Standard Turnaround: 1-2 business days from sample receipt

Rush Service: front of queue available upon request for 2x the normal rate (please note "Front of Queue" on order form)

Service Options:

  • Basic MS: Mass spectrum with molecular ion identification
  • MS with Interpretation: Detailed analysis with peak assignments
  • Positive and Negative Mode: Both polarities to maximize information

For pricing information, please visit our Pricing page or contact us for a custom quote.

Ready to Confirm Your Compound's Molecular Weight?

Get accurate mass spectrometry analysis with 1-2 day turnaround

Submit a Sample View Pricing

Questions? Contact us or call (858) 793-6057

Why Choose NuMega for Mass Spectrometry?

30+ Years Experience

Founded in 1993, trusted by researchers in industry and academia for analytical excellence

Expert Support

Analytical chemists available to help interpret spectra and troubleshoot difficult compounds

Comprehensive Services

Combine MS with NMR and elemental analysis for complete characterization

Fast Turnaround

1-2 business day standard service with rush options for urgent projects

Reliable Results

Quality data you can trust for publications, patents, and regulatory submissions