In this blog we shall discuss mass spectrometry, its applications and how we, at Simson Pharma utilize the mass technique at the fullest.

Application of mass spectrometry:

Mass spectrometry technique has been one of the most important and integral part for fast confirmation of parent ion in pharmaceutical industry, fine chemicals, petroleum industry, etc.

Using ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry; identification of elements on different planets and constellations in the space has been achieved.

 Mass spectrometry particularly high-resolution mass spectrometry has helped humanity by helping in accurate identification of compounds with very close exact masses like DMF and toxic nitrosamines like NDMA because of its high resolution, sensitivity and accuracy.

Once the parent ion has been identified, there is always a need to identify the product ions/fragment ions to further confirm the structure especially of unknowns which can be done with MS instrument.

Factors affecting fragmentation in mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is a much cheaper alternative as it gives information about product and daughter ions within seconds.

However, this will need proper optimization of MS parameters. Also parameters like different entry and exit voltages, temperature, flow rate, gas pressure, diluent, use of effective volatile buffer etc play a critical role in ionization of compounds of interest. Further switching to ESI and APCI modes play a vital role depending on chromophoric/non-chromophoric nature of compound.

Further; the application of optimum collision energy is imperative for effective fragment of parent ion to give its product ions.

Types of mass spectrometry

Different types of mass spectrometry instruments are available depending on the application required to be performed on   the mass instrument ranging from peptide analysis (MALDI/TOF instrument) to simple molecules which require single/triple quad/ion trap instruments.

Work at Simson pharma

We, at Simson pharma are involved in identification of known/unknown impurities. With quality talent pool, we are able to exploit the MS instruments ranging from extremely polar molecules to highly nonpolar non-chromophoric compounds. Further identification of small molecules to macrolides can be done at Simson pharma.

Keywords: Application of mass spectrometry, Factors affecting fragmentation in mass spectrometry, Types of mass spectrometry.