Agilent 5975C TAD Series GC/MSD System - Data Sheet

Importance of the topic

The integration of gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC/MSD) remains a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry. It delivers exceptional sensitivity and specificity for complex samples, supporting applications in environmental monitoring, forensics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial quality control. The Agilent 5975C TAD Series expands the capabilities of conventional GC/MSD systems by combining advanced electron multiplier design, flexible ionization modes, and robust software tools to meet modern laboratory demands.

Objectives and overview

This document summarizes the key features and performance characteristics of the Agilent 5975C Triple-Axis Detector (TAD) GC/MSD:

• Present the enhanced sensitivity and throughput enabled by the Triple-Axis High Energy Diode (HED) electron multiplier detector.
• Outline the flexibility of electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) configurations.
• Highlight software tools for automated tuning, retention time locking (RTL), and streamlined method transfer.

Methodology and instrumentation used

The 5975C TAD system comprises:

• GC platforms: Agilent 7890A, 6850, or 6890 series, supporting split/splitless injection and programmable temperature control up to 450 °C.
• Detector: Triple-Axis HED electron multiplier with automated gain normalization and sub-1-sec scan capabilities.
• Ionization options: Routine EI, positive/negative chemical ionization (PCI/NCI) with automatic reagent gas and tuning control.
• Data system: MSD Productivity ChemStation software offering SIM/scan acquisition, SemiQuant estimation, deconvolution reporting software (DRS), and RTL.
• Auxiliary components: Optional compact configuration with 6850 GC, dual-pump options (turbomolecular or diffusion), and compatibility with third-party autosamplers.

Main results and discussion

Key performance outcomes observed at installation with helium carrier gas include:

• High sensitivity: EI scan S/N ≥600:1 (turbo pump) for 1 pg OFN across 50–300 u; NCI scan S/N ≥600:1 for 100 fg OFN.
• Stable mass calibration: mass drift <0.10 u over 48 h.
• Fast acquisition: electronic scan rates up to 12,500 u/s with 8,000 u/s write-to-disk.
• Extensive dynamic range: 10^6 electronic dynamic range and up to 60-ion SIM groups.
• Reproducibility: retention time repeatability <0.0012 min and area precision <2% RSD for splitless injections of 1 pg OFN.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

The 5975C TAD system delivers:

• Improved detection of trace analytes in complex matrices via high-energy detector design and deconvolution software.
• Flexible method transfer and minimal maintenance using RTL, eMethods, and easy-access ion source architecture.
• Automated workflows for quantitative (SIM/scan, SemiQuant) and qualitative (library search, DRS) analyses.
• Space-saving configurations and robust ten-year use guarantee for cost-effective ownership.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging directions for GC/MS technology include:

• Integration with high-throughput autosamplers and robotic platforms for rapid screening.
• Development of ambient ionization sources to reduce sample preparation time.
• Hybrid detectors combining time-of-flight or Orbitrap analyzers for enhanced mass accuracy.
• AI-driven data processing and predictive maintenance to further improve lab productivity.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5975C TAD Series GC/MSD system offers a significant advancement in sensitivity, speed, and operational flexibility. Its combination of triple-axis detector performance, automated ionization modes, and powerful software tools addresses the evolving needs of modern analytical laboratories, ensuring reliable and reproducible results across diverse applications.

References

• Agilent Technologies, Agilent 5975C TAD Series GC/MSD System Data Sheet, 2012.