Chromatography & Separation

GC-MS

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

GC-MS separates volatile compounds by gas chromatography and identifies each one from its mass spectrum. It is the usual choice for identifying unknown volatiles, profiling extracts and finding trace contaminants.

1 test optionIdentifies unknown volatilesLibrary-matched mass spectraTypical turnaround 5–7 working days
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GC-MS measurement principleIllustrative
InjectorGC ovenIon sourceQuadrupoleDetectorChromatogramMass spectrum
Separated, then weighed by massIllustrative
01 / Overview

What is GC-MS?

The sample is separated on a capillary GC column and each compound flows straight into a mass spectrometer. There it is ionised by electron impact, broken into characteristic fragments and sorted by mass-to-charge ratio, giving a mass spectrum for every peak.

Where GC alone relies on retention time, GC-MS adds a spectral fingerprint that can be searched against reference libraries, so unknowns can be tentatively identified. Library matches are indicative; firm confirmation needs a reference standard.

02 / How it works

How it works

  1. 01

    Separated by GC

    The sample is injected and its compounds are separated in a heated capillary column.

  2. 02

    Molecules are ionised

    Each compound entering the ion source is ionised by electron impact and breaks into fragments.

  3. 03

    Ions sorted by mass

    A quadrupole filters the ions by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) before they reach the detector.

  4. 04

    Spectrum is matched

    Each peak's mass spectrum is compared with a reference library to suggest its identity.

03 / What it measures

What it measures

Compound identification

Suggest the identity of unknown volatiles from library-matched spectra.

Useful forUnknown liquids, residues, contaminants

Extract & mixture profiling

List the components of complex mixtures with their relative area %.

Useful forEssential oils, plant extracts, fragrances

Trace volatile impurities

Detect and confirm low-level volatile impurities and residual solvents.

Useful forPharmaceuticals, polymers, packaging

Fatty acids & derivatives

Identify fatty acid methyl esters and other derivatised compounds.

Useful forOils, lipids, biodiesel

Target compounds (SIM)

Quantify selected compounds against standards in selected-ion mode.

Useful forPlasticisers, flavour markers, known contaminants
04 / Test options

Choose the GC-MS options you need

1 option · none added yet

GC-MS test options
05 / Sample requirements

Sample requirements

Accepted forms
Volatile liquids, solvent extracts, oils; solids for headspace
Quantity
1–2 mL liquid or 1–2 g solid per sample
Solvent
Volatile organic solvent such as hexane, methanol or dichloromethane
Container
Sealed glass vials with PTFE-lined caps
  • Filter extracts through a 0.22–0.45 µm syringe filter
  • Mention the solvent and any compounds you expect
  • Keep samples sealed and cool in transit
  • No inorganic salts, strong acids or bases
  • No water-based samples without discussing first

Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.

06 / Results & turnaround

Results & turnaround

What you receive

  • Total ion chromatogram (TIC)
  • Peak table with retention times and area %
  • Library matches with match scores
  • Mass spectra of the main peaks
  • Report PDF

Turnaround & pricing

Typically 5–7 working days after samples reach the lab.

Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.

Sample report · IllustrativeExample library match91 % at 12.4 minIllustrative — not measured sample data
07 / Limitations

When GC-MS isn't the right fit

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