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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
Atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry: An easy bolt-on for the synthetic undergraduate teaching
Nathaniel M Bingham1, James S Wright1, Simone C Mathias1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Rationale:
High costs and student numbers can often hinder implementation of mass spectrometry (MS) in the undergraduate teaching laboratory, often with technicians running samples on students' behalf, and the implementation of MS only in discrete or isolated experiments. This study explores the use of atmospheric solids analysis probe MS (ASAP-MS) as a relatively low-cost, benchtop instrument, and its potential for application as a 'bolt-on' to existing undergraduate organic chemistry experiments.
Methods:
Thirteen products synthesised in undergraduate laboratory experiments were analysed by ASAP-MS, along with their starting materials. Analysis was carried out with a Waters RADIAN ASAP mass spectrometer, at four different cone voltages simultaneously to provide fragmentation information.
Results:
Out of the 13 undergraduate experiments, ASAP-MS was shown to be complementary in 11 of these, either through simple analysis of the precursor ion or by a more complex analysis of the fragments.
Conclusions:
ASAP-MS provided spectra that both complement and enhance intended learning outcomes in existing organic chemistry experiments, showing its versatility as a bolt-on technique. Moving forward, ASAP-MS will be integrated into the University of Surrey's undergraduate teaching laboratory.
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