GC-MS stands for Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, an analytical technique which allows separation and identification of organic compounds in a sample. GC-MS/MS is well suited for the identification of unknown volatile components using the mass fragmentation patterns and mass transitions associated with the unknown analyte.Samples for GC/MS are organic compounds with sufficient volatility (guideline: is in vapor form or can be turned to vapor at 400oC or less), sufficient thermal stability (does not decompose on heating).In practice, some compounds which do not fulfill the criteria above can be made to fulfill the criteria by means of chemical reaction (‘derivatization’), thus making it possible for these compounds to be analyzed by GC-MS.
Applications of GC-MS:
- Pesticide residues and pollutants in water, agricultural products, foodstuff
- Organic solvents in packaging materials, ink, etc.
- Drugs of abuse in urine, blood, tablets
- Fatty acid contents in edible oils, fat, etc.
- Essential oil characterization
- Allergens in fragrance
- Polymer characterization
- Chemical industry
- Biotechnology field
- Fragrance industry
- Forensic field
- Environmental field
- Agriculture
- Food industry