CHROMacademy Classroom

GC-MS Data Interpretation

Live Online on 20th - 21st October

Instructor-led Training

This GC-MS training course explores the potential of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis from a qualitative perspective, with a strong focus on mass spectral interpretation and structural elucidation.

Participants will learn how to systematically analyze a mass spectrum to identify and interpret the structural information contained within spectral data. Starting from first principles, the course introduces the fundamental chemistry and theory of mass spectrometry before progressing to the interpretation of common fragmentation patterns encountered in GC-MS analysis.

Using a logical and practical approach, the training builds understanding of how compounds fragment during mass spectrometric analysis and how these fragmentation pathways can be used to support compound identification and qualitative analysis.

This course is not instrument-specific and is suitable for anyone involved in mass spectrometry, from analytical scientists seeking to obtain high-quality spectral data to laboratory managers who need a deeper understanding of mass spectral interpretation in order to validate analytical results.

The course is designed for users of GC-MS instrumentation, analytical chemists, laboratory scientists, and anyone interested in structural elucidation using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry techniques.

 

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Delivery Details

Duration: This course is delivered over two Live 4 hour sessions. Run on consecutive days.
Each daily session runs from 9am – 1pm (Eastern Time Zone).

Price: $810 

 

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Course Overview

What You Will Learn: 

  • How to optimize instrument and method parameters to obtain high-quality spectral data 

  • Ionization and fragmentation mechanisms in GC-MS 

  • The logical evolution of an ‘Interpretation Toolkit’ with a multitude of practice spectra with worked solution on which to practice new skills 

  • The fundamental spectral interpretation toolkit, and how to use it when confronted with the mass spectrum of an unknown 

Previous Experience: 

A good working knowledge of the technique is required. A basic knowledge of organic chemistry is advantageous but not essential. 

Course content: 

Basic Chemistry  

  • Review of the chemistry of ions, electrons and radicals and isotopes vital to understanding of molecular fragmentation and ionisation 

  • The principles of isotopic normalisation 

Principles of ionisation  

  • Techniques and impact on ionisation and fragmentation of Electron Impact (EI) and Chemically Induced (CI) ionisation mechanisms 

Fragmentation Mechanisms  

  • Homo and heterolytic fission 

  • Alpha cleavage 

  • Inductive cleavage 

  • McLafferty rearrangement and ortho effects 

  • Retro Diels-Alder reactions

Interpretation Rules

  • General appearance 

  • Isotopic abundances 

  • Isotopic normalisation 

  • Common ion series 

  • Rings and double bonds 

  • The nitrogen rule 

  • Logical (illogical) neutral molecular losses 

  • Logical (illogical) neutral fragment losses 

  • Ion stability

Interpretation Practice  

  • At all points during the course, practice spectra are given to highlight and allow the student to learn the principles under investigation 

  • The course ends with practice exercises on several spectra to confirm overall understanding 

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