Thermo Scientific Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS system - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Význam tématu

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry for the separation and identification of volatile to semi-volatile compounds. Advancements in high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) Orbitrap technology integrated into GC-MS systems significantly improve sensitivity, mass accuracy and resolving power. This combination addresses complex analytical challenges in environmental monitoring, forensics, food safety and metabolomics.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This summary examines the design and performance characteristics of the Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS system. Key objectives include evaluating its mass resolution, detection limits, quantitative dynamic range, scan speed and MS/MS capabilities under various ionization modes. The overview highlights system architecture, vacuum and ion optics innovations, and software features that support both targeted and untargeted workflows.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

The system couples a Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 gas chromatograph with a Q Exactive GC hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer and TriPlus RSH autosampler. Chromatographic separations span 30 to 3 000 m/z at ramp rates up to 125 °C/min, with cryogenic cooling options down to –100 °C using liquid nitrogen. Ionization modes include electron ionization (EI) at variable voltages (12–150 eV) and positive/negative chemical ionization (PCI/NCI) using methane. High-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) enables MS/MS fragmentation for structural analysis.

Použitá instrumentace

• Orbitrap mass analyzer with resolving power up to 100 000 (FWHM at m/z 272) and sub-ppm mass accuracy
• Advanced Quadrupole Technology (AQT) HyperQuad mass filter for precise precursor isolation (0.4 Da to full range)
• ExtractaBrite electron and chemical ionization source removable under vacuum in under 2 minutes
• Vent-free column exchange with patented source plug
• Differentially pumped vacuum system with turbomolecular and rotary vane pumps achieving <1×10⁻⁹ mbar
• High-performance HCD cell and nitrogen-filled C-Trap for untargeted full MS and MS/MS experiments
• TRACE 1310 GC with split/splitless, PTV injectors, and optional backflush
• TriPlus RSH autosampler and optional direct insertion probe (DIP) or direct-exposure probe (DEP)

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

The Q Exactive GC delivers routine sub-ppm mass accuracy and a detection limit below 6 fg of octafluoronaphthalene (OFN) in EI mode at 50 000 resolution. Scan rates reach up to 18 Hz at 12 500 resolution, supporting high-throughput analysis. Quantitative dynamic range exceeds 10⁶ in spectrum and 5 000:1 in-spectrum. MS/MS multiplexing of up to 10 precursors per scan demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity comparable to triple quadrupoles, while maintaining full-scan HRAM data for discovery workflows.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

• Unmatched combination of sensitivity and resolving power for trace-level quantitation in environmental and food analysis
• HRAM full-scan data enables retrospective data mining and non-targeted screening
• Soft chemical ionization for generation of pseudomolecular ions enhances compound identification
• Rapid source and column exchange improve laboratory throughput
• Versatile autosampler and probe options allow direct analysis of solids, liquids and gases

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Integration of Orbitrap-based GC-MS with emerging data analytics and machine learning will expand non-targeted screening and metabolomics studies. Advances in cryogenic separations and novel ionization chemistries promise deeper coverage of polar and thermally labile compounds. Miniaturized vacuum and pumping technologies may lead to more compact bench-top designs suitable for in-field applications.

Závěr

The Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS system represents a significant evolution in gas chromatographic mass spectrometry, combining high-resolution accurate-mass performance with flexible ionization and MS/MS fragmentation. Its robust design and comprehensive software tools support both quantitative analyses and discovery science, addressing modern analytical demands across diverse fields.

Reference

Thermo Fisher Scientific. Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS System Product Specifications (PS10458-EN, 2018).