Mass Spectrometry Service

Mass Spectrometry is an analytical technique that allows us to determine the molecular weight of an organic compound, as well as its structure. This requires ionizing the sample and obtaining the ions in the gas phase, which are separated within the spectrometer according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). One of the great strengths of Mass Spectrometry is its ability to be coupled with chromatographic techniques, both liquid and gas, allowing for qualitative and/or quantitative analyses of very complex matrices.

Mass Spectrometry Service of the Institute of Chemical Research has the following mass spectrometers:

• Amazon SL (Bruker) coupled to an Elute UHPLC (Bruker), with the following characteristics:

– Direct injection (FIA) or via UHPLC. The UHPLC system includes a binary pump, column oven, and automatic sample carousel.

– Electrospray ionization source (ESI).

– Ion Trap Analyzer.

– Mass range from 50 to 4000 Da

– Ion recordings in positive and negative modes and fragmentation studies (MSⁿ).

• Esquire 6000 (Bruker), with the following characteristics:

– Direct injection.

– Electrospray ionization source (ESI)

– Ion Trap Analyzer.

– Mass range from 65 to 6000 Da.

– Ion recordings in positive and negative modes and fragmentation studies (MSⁿ).

• Only technical personal from the Mass Spectrometry Service may perform the analyses.
• Samples must be delivered to the Mass Spectrometry Service and they must be clearly labelled with the same reference used when requesting the service.
• Analysis results will be delivered by email in pdf format.
• If sample return is requested, it will be stored in a cooled place after the analysis is completed. It must be collected by the user within one month of receiving the results. After one month, samples may be destroyed.
• If the user needs guidance on the analysis they wish to perform, they can consult directly with the Mass Spectrometry Service staff at the service itself, or by email ().

Current rates for Scientific and Technical Services

IIQ staff can request the service by completing the following form:

Users outside the IIQ who wish to request the service can contact the responsible personnel via email at