LC-MS Grade chemicals

What the grade means

A mass spectrometer detects ions, so the impurities that matter differ from UV work. Sodium and potassium form adducts that split the analyte signal, plasticisers and surfactants leave persistent background peaks, and many contaminants suppress ionisation. LC-MS grade solvents and additives control these as well as the usual HPLC parameters.

Typical specification points

• Assay by GC of 99.9 percent or more.
• Individual metal ions such as Na, K, Ca and Fe at roughly 5 to 100 ppb each.
• Background tested in positive and negative electrospray, with no significant peaks above a set threshold.
• MS response checked with a reference compound such as reserpine.
• Residue on evaporation of 1 to 2 mg/L and low water.

When to choose it

Use it for bioanalysis, metabolomics, proteomics, trace impurity work including nitrosamines, and any method where sensitivity or adduct formation matters. Additives such as formic acid and ammonium formate should match the solvent grade, because a small volume of additive can carry more contamination than a litre of solvent.

Documentation

Each lot comes with a COA listing metals and MS tests, plus a GHS SDS. Browse Solvents (HPLC and GC).