Agilent 7000D Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System - Data Sheet

Significance of the Topic

The accurate and sensitive detection of trace-level analytes in complex samples is critical for environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical research. Triple quadrupole GC/MS systems offer exceptional selectivity and quantitation capabilities, supporting regulatory compliance and quality control in various industries.

Study Objectives and Overview

This data sheet presents performance characteristics and specifications of the Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled with the Agilent 7000D triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The goal is to demonstrate system sensitivity, reliability, and maintenance features that ensure robust routine MS/MS analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The combined system utilizes electron ionization (EI) as the standard ion source, with chemical ionization (CI) optional. Key features include:

• Agilent 7890B GC with split/splitless, multimode inlet, programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV), and capillary flow technology for effluent splitting, backflushing, and column switching.
• Agilent 7000D MS operating in EI (10–300 eV) or CI modes, featuring dual filaments, proprietary inert ion source material, and automated vent-free JetClean source cleaning.
• Proprietary monolithic gold-coated hyperbolic quadrupoles, selectable mass resolution (0.7–2.5 Da default, up to 4.0 Da custom), and mass range m/z 10–1,050.
• High scan rate up to 20,000 u/s, MRM acquisition at 800 transitions/s with minimum dwell time of 0.5 ms, and linear hexapole collision cell with nitrogen and helium quench gas.
• Agilent MassHunter software for acquisition, quantitative/qualitative data handling, reporting, and optional pesticide/environmental pollutant MRM database (>8,000 optimized transitions).

Main Results and Discussion

The system achieves an instrument detection limit (IDL) of 4 fg octafluoronaphthalene (OFN) in EI MRM at 99 % confidence over eight sequential splitless injections. Signal-to-noise performance includes:

• EI MRM: >1,500:1 RMS at 10 fg OFN; >15,000:1 RMS at 100 fg OFN.
• PCI MRM: >50:1 RMS for 100 fg/µL benzophenone (transition m/z 183 & 105).
• NCI SIM: >2,000:1 RMS for 100 fg/µL OFN.

These benchmarks confirm exceptional sensitivity, mass axis stability (<±0.10 u over 24 h), and reproducibility, making the system ideal for trace quantitation in challenging matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Agilent 7890B/7000D platform delivers:

• Rapid and high‐throughput analysis with fast MRM transitions and automated tuning.
• Reduced downtime through early maintenance feedback, quick venting, and eco-friendly Sleep-Wake scheduling.
• Versatile applicability for pesticides, environmental pollutants, forensic toxins, clinical biomarkers, and QA/QC workflows.

Future Trends and Applications

Developments in GC/MS/MS are expected to emphasize deeper integration with machine learning for automated compound identification, expanded high-quality spectral libraries for emerging contaminants, miniaturized and ambient inlet designs, and improved ion optics to push detection limits toward sub-femtogram levels.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7890B GC combined with the 7000D triple quadrupole mass spectrometer provides a robust, high-sensitivity solution for trace analysis. Its low IDL, fast acquisition rates, and maintenance-friendly features ensure reliable performance in demanding analytical environments.

Reference

Agilent Technologies. Agilent 7000D Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System Data Sheet, publication 5991-7167EN, September 2016.