{"id":14,"date":"2026-03-10T17:29:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T17:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/liquid-chromtagrophy-quadrapole-time-of-flight\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T13:27:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T13:27:50","slug":"liquid-chromtagrophy-quadrapole-time-of-flight","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/instrumentation\/liquid-chromtagrophy-quadrapole-time-of-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"LC-QTOF Mass Spectrometry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Agilent 6530 Q-TOF LC\/MS System coupled with an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC provides high-resolution, accurate-mass measurements for qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex samples. The system combines fast chromatographic separation with time-of-flight mass analysis, enabling both targeted and untargeted workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The instrument supports high-resolution MS and MS\/MS acquisition with excellent mass accuracy, making it well-suited for compound identification, structural elucidation, and trace-level detection across chemical, biological, and environmental applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-adc57f8e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e45775b91bd0c519d5de4e8bb3bad256\">Modes of Operations<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full Scan MS (High-Resolution)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accurate mass measurements across a wide m\/z range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enables elemental composition determination <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MS\/MS (Targeted Fragmentation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collision-induced dissociation (CID)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structural elucidation via fragmentation patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auto MS\/MS (Data-Dependent Acquisition)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automatic selection of precursor ions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for unknown identifcation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Targeted MS\/MS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Predefined precursor selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High sensitivity for known compounds <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All Ion Fragmentation (Data-Independent Acquisition)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simultaneous fragmentation without precursor selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Useful for screening workflows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72f25bf3fc8e76abdfb5bdb31660c947\">Ionization Modes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electrospray Ionization (ESI)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Operates in both positive and negative modes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soft ionization technique producing primarily <strong>[M+H]\u207a \/ [M\u2212H]\u207b<\/strong> ions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Na\u207a, NH\u2084\u207a, and solvent adducts may be observed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best suited for: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Polar to moderatley nonpolar compounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermally labile species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biomolecules and small molecules in solution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gas-phase ionization via corona discharge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically produces protonated or deprotonated molecules with less adduct formation <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better suited for: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Less polar compounds <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More volatile and thermally stable analytes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bc18b00a wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0b2ffc1bbc8c4c80ed7529666a17c74b\">Key Specification<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MS Acquisition Rate: 50 spectra\/second<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS Mass Accuracy (+): &lt; 2ppm Root Mean Square (RMS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS Sensitivity: S\/N &gt; 200:1 Measured with 1 pg reserpine on column<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS\/MS Acquisition Rate: 50 spectra\/second<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS\/MS Mass Accuracy (+): &lt;3ppm RMS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TOF Mass range: 50-20,000 m\/z<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TOF Resolution: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&gt; 10,000 at m\/z 188 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&gt; 20,000 at m\/z 1522<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software Platforms: MassHunter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Analysis: MassHunter Quantitive Analysis, MassHunter Qualitative Analysis, MassHunter BioConfirm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bb852d8247b1f0954506804a62f69aa5\">Sample Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Solvent &amp; Buffer Compatibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Samples should be <strong>fully dissolved in LC-compatible solvents<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aqueous\/organic mixtures (e.g. water, methanol, acetonitrile)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preferred LC-MS grade solvents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preferred additives (volatile)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Formic acid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> Acetic acid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ammonium formate or ammonium acetate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid<\/strong> (These can cause ion suppression, contamination and signal instability)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Non-volalatile salts (e.g. NaCl, phosphate buffers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Detergents (e.g. SDS, Triton X-100)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High Concentrations of DMSO, (&gt;1-2%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample Cleanliness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Filter samples using <strong>0.2 \u00b5m or 0.45 \u00b5m filters<\/strong> or alternatively centrifuge to remover particles <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Particles can \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clog the LC system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage the column<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affect reproducibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concentration Guidelines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Typical working range:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Low nM to low \u00b5M<\/strong> for most analyses <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For unknowns:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start ~1-10 \u00b5M and dilute as needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overly concentrated samples may:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cause detector saturation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase ion suppression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead to poor quantitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample Submission Form<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"white-space: normal;font-size: medium\">A&nbsp;<\/span><strong data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"642\" style=\"white-space: normal\">PDF version of the sample submission form<\/strong><span style=\"white-space: normal;font-size: medium\">&nbsp;is available for reference or offline use. Additionally<\/span><span style=\"white-space: normal;font-size: medium\">, a from is available through iLabs<\/span>&nbsp;as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/files\/2026\/05\/LCMS-Sample-Request.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of LCMS Sample Request.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-483f80f5-596a-4436-9fb5-c4e800a132dc\" href=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/files\/2026\/05\/LCMS-Sample-Request.pdf\">LCMS Sample Request<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/files\/2026\/05\/LCMS-Sample-Request.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-483f80f5-596a-4436-9fb5-c4e800a132dc\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c85efac5d18e729f8830f671bdb74b4\">Rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes is-style-stripes--1\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Service (per hour)<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">UVM Users<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">External Users<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">User Instrument Time<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">$30.52*<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Staff Assisted Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">$99.79<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">$149.69<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Training Session<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">$99.79<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><tfoot><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Prices as of July 1, 2026<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">* Only Chemistry Department Personnel can be trained<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-uvmgreen-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/uvm.ilab.agilent.com\/service_center\/show_external\/6442?name=laboratory-for-chemical-analysis\">Request Analysis on iLabs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Agilent 6530 Q-TOF LC\/MS System coupled with an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC provides high-resolution, accurate-mass measurements for qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex samples. The system combines fast chromatographic separation with time-of-flight mass analysis, enabling both targeted and untargeted workflows. The instrument supports high-resolution MS and MS\/MS acquisition with excellent mass accuracy, making [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10857,"featured_media":177,"parent":20,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10857"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":460,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions\/460"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/alca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}