Advanced Spectroscopic Detectors for Identification and Quantification

The different mass spectrometric approaches employed in the LC–MS coupling are described. The mechanisms of the ionization methods mostly employed (electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, atmospheric pressure photoionization) are discussed. To increase the specificity of the MS data, accurate mass measurements and tandem mass spectrometry are particularly effective and their basic aspects are described. Finally, an overview of the most recent approaches (micro- and nano-LC–MS, capillary electrochromatography) is given.