The Advantages of Coupling GCxGC with QTOF Detection in MS/MS Mode

An application note from JSB studies the feasibility of coupling GCxGC with QTOF detection in MS/MS mode.

GC-QTOF is a valuable technique for challenging applications that demand confident identification in highly complex matrices, such as, metabolomics and pesticides analysis. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is the chromatographic method of choice to unravel high sample complexity. Compared to classic GC, GC×GC grants superior separation power and unmatched peak capacity by coupling two different separation mechanism in a single analysis.

The results of the study show the practicality of operating the QTOF in MS/MS mode also coupled to GCxGC. This feature can be a powerful profiling tool to complement two-dimensional chromatograms and HRMS and their excellent selectivity in order to achieve even more confident identification and determine more structures of unknowns.

The study concluded that by using the Agilent 7250 QTOF detector, high-resolution, accurate mass, soft ionisation and MS/MS capability was ensured. These features are generally used in GC-QTOF for advanced identity confirmation and structure elucidation. It was possible to use GC×GC with the QTOF in MS/MS mode, and by careful optimisation, good MS/MS data, also for the sharp modulated peaks, was obtained. This technique can be a very powerful tool for the identification of targets and unknowns with enhanced confidence and selectivity.

More information online: https://ilmt.co/PL/v0Jm