Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Meg R.
status       student
age          17

Question -   What chemicals are detected in mass spectroscopy?
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With modern high resolution mass spectrometry, and advanced sample
preparation techniques (e.g. laser ablation, electron sputtering, in-line
vapor and/or liquid chromatography,... ) the shorter list is what chemicals
CANNOT be detected my mass spectrometer. I am not trying to be flippant 
but even very
high molecular weight molecules can be identified.

Vince Calder
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