Extraction System | Full Spectrum Oils | Oil Quality | Chemical Analysis | GC-MS
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines the separation capabilities of Gas Chromatography (GC) with the identification and structural analysis power of Mass Spectrometry (MS). It’s widely used in chemistry, biology, medicine, forensics, and environmental science.
How It Works
- Sample Introduction
- Volatile or semi-volatile compounds are injected into the GC system.
- Gas Chromatography (GC) – Separation
- Compounds are vaporized and carried by an inert gas (e.g., helium).
- They pass through a capillary column coated with a stationary phase.
- Molecules separate based on boiling point and interaction with the column.
- Mass Spectrometry (MS) – Detection & Identification
- The separated compounds enter the MS detector.
- Molecules are ionized (commonly by electron ionization, EI).
- Fragments are sorted by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
- A mass spectrum is generated, serving as a “fingerprint” for each compound.
Applications of GC–MS
- Environmental Analysis: Detect pollutants, pesticides, and toxins.
- Forensics: Drug testing, arson investigation, explosives detection.
- Food & Flavor Industry: Identify aromas, additives, contaminants.
- Medical & Biological: Metabolomics, hormone analysis, disease biomarkers.
- Plant & Natural Products: Identify essential oils, alkaloids, terpenes (e.g., agarwood volatiles).
Advantages
- High sensitivity and specificity.
- Can identify compounds at trace levels.
- Provides both qualitative (what is it?) and quantitative (how much?) data.
Limitations
- Only works with volatile/thermally stable compounds.
- Sample preparation can be extensive.
- Requires skilled operation and interpretation.