Mass spectrometry: chemistry

Mass spectrometry is one of the most valuable tools in chemistry and biological chemistry.

The technique facilitates measurement of the mass of molecules and fragments with extraordinary sensitivity, speed and accuracy.

It allows accurate mass, identification, characterisation and quantification of molecules.

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Analyses

Equipment and location

Equipment

BRUKER MicrOTof-Q

The BRUKER MicrOTof-Q with DIONEX UltiMate 3000 HPLC is as an accurate mass instrument with ESI source, both accurate mass and identification of pure samples via looped injection and complex mixture analysis via the DIONEX UltiMate 3000 micro LC system.

It provides a combination of high-mass accuracy, resolution and sensitivity in LC-MS mode and wide dynamic range for ultra-stable accurate mass.

Thermo LCQ Fleet Ion Trap

The Thermo LCQ Fleet Ion Trap serves as a low-resolution (nominal mass) student walk-up instrument in ESI/APCI mode via looped injector or isocratic pump. MSn capability provides an added dimension for structural elucidation and confirmation.

The LCQ MS in conjunction with the DIONEX UltiMate 3000 micro LC system provides online fractionation of complex mixtures and allows quantification (relative and absolute) of molecules through Multiple Reaction Monitoring Ionisation. Source: ESI

Software

Our associated data analysis software includes the NIST 14 spectral library, and software for compound searching.

Location

Chemistry Building (Building 68 ), Room 102

Sample requirements

You'll need pure samples for infusions (syringe injections). You can submit an aliquot (1ml) of sample (10uM) in a suitable solvent (eg methanol or acetonitrile) or as a dry powder.

For more complex samples requiring LCMS or LC-MS/MS analysis, you may need a more concentrated sample, depending on the sample's level of complexity and analysis.

Discuss your requirements with us prior to submission.

Charges and considerations

Charges

External users

Rates: $40 per sample, capped at $3000 per year.

Note: we may charge extra fees for LCMS analyses to cover the use of high-quality MS-grade solvents and additional consumables.

UQ users

Considerations

UQ users have priority of access.

We can provide training for both low- and high-resolution instruments if you anticipate being a regular user.

For one-off samples or infrequent users, we'll perform analyses for you.

You'll need to undertake the relevant building and other inductions before using equipment.