What Are Primary and Secondary Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry analysis involves two distinct stages: first-order mass spectrometry and second-order mass spectrometry.
First-Order Mass Spectrum (Parent Ion Spectrum)
The first-order mass spectrum represents the initial stage of a mass spectrometry experiment, serving as the foundational phase for analysis. During this stage, molecular samples are ionized into charged particles (ions) and separated in a mass spectrometer based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). These ions generate signals at the detector, forming a first-order mass spectrum. This spectrum is a chart depicting the mass-to-charge ratio of ions and their relative intensities, usually as percentages. The primary function is to examine the distribution of mass-to-charge ratios among the ions in the sample, revealing their molecular weight and ionic composition.
Second-Order Mass Spectrum (Daughter Ion Spectrum)
The second-order mass spectrum, often part of tandem mass spectrometry, is used for detailed analysis of a specific parent ion. Here, selected parent ions from the first-order spectrum undergo further fragmentation into daughter ions within the mass spectrometer. These daughter ions are then separated according to their m/z ratio and detected, forming the second-order mass spectrum. This spectrum reveals the mass-to-charge ratios and relative intensities of daughter ions, aiding in elucidating the parent ion's internal structure and composition, which is crucial for understanding the molecule's chemical structure and reaction pathways.
Analyzing both first-order and second-order mass spectra allows researchers to perform detailed structural identification and quantitative analysis of molecular samples. The integration of these spectra provides robust support for analyzing complex samples.
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