Orbitrap™ : Ten Years Young

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution accurate mass analyzers enhances routine analysis by providing full-scan capability with structural information and high clarity in volatile and semi-volatile compounds.

Objectives and Study Overview

This article recounts the development pathway for integrating Orbitrap mass analyzers with GC separations, from initial exploratory research in academic laboratories to the launch of the Q Exactive GC instrument.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The development combined high-field compact Orbitrap design with enhanced Fourier transform algorithms to achieve a fourfold increase in acquisition speed and doubled resolving power. A modular approach allowed the Orbitrap analyzer to interface with electron impact and chemical ionization sources for GC-MS operation.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific Q Exactive GC system
• Compact high-field Orbitrap mass analyzer operating at 5 kV
• Electron impact ionization and optional chemical ionization sources
• Enhanced FT algorithms for improved resolution and mass accuracy

Main Results and Discussion

The Q Exactive GC delivered accurate mass full-scan data with sensitivity and speed comparable to triple quadrupole systems while maintaining high mass resolving power. Full-scan workflows reduced the need for targeted MS/MS, relying on library matching and accurate mass filtering for compound identification. Early applications in pesticide analysis, metabolomics, and food authentication demonstrated strong community interest.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simplified method development and routine workflows
• Comprehensive analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds
• High mass accuracy and resolution for confident compound identification
• Broad applicability across environmental, food safety, and life science research

Future Trends and Applications

Potential trajectories include expansion into aerosol analysis, space missions, and continuous simplification of design to reduce complexity and cost. The modular Orbitrap platform may further enable accessible high-resolution GC-MS solutions worldwide.

Conclusion

The Q Exactive GC represents a milestone in GC Orbitrap technology, offering a combination of mass accuracy, sensitivity, and speed that addresses routine analytical challenges. Ongoing simplification and modular design bring the vision of high-resolution Orbitrap instruments in every laboratory closer to reality.