Ionisation Techniques and Mass Spectrometer Systems

A number of different ionisation methods are used in mass spectrometry to form analyte gas phase ions. These are generated through the transfer of an electron to or from an uncharged analyte, protonation, de-protonation, cationisation, anionisation, or the transfer of charge from the solid to the gas phase. Table 13.1 lists a number of the more common ionisation methods used in organic mass spectrometry, and Table 13.2 provides comparative attributes, including appropriate ionisation techniques, for several common mass spectrometer systems. 

Small compounds ( 1,000 Da) containing a heteroatom, for example, halogenated aromatics, sugars, and organic acids 

Synthetic and biopolymers and a wide range of polar and nonvolatile compounds good for large molecules 

soluble nonvolatile polar and ionic compounds 

High molecular mass, nonpolar compounds good examples larger organometallics 

---