John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility houses “state of the art” instrumentation for analysis of chemical and biological samples.

Kratos Concept - Magnetic sector Electron impact mass spectrometer

The Kratos Concept Mass Spectrometer provides accurate mass measurement for pure solid organic compounds that are volatile under 300°C and weigh up to 800 amu. The electron impact ionization technique allows both non-polar and polar compounds to be ionized in the source. The compound and its fragments are filtered by the magnetic sector and detected by an electron multiplier.  A total resolution of 10000 is achieved with an internal PFTBA calibrant. Produces classic mass spectra that can be compared to NIST Chemistry Webbook data, perfect for small organic semivolatile compounds and HRes verification compound assignment data.

Kratos Concept - Magnetic sector Electron impact mass spectrometer

Waters Synapt G1, HRes and Ion Mobility, Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer.

This instrument has an electrospray source and can be coupled to an HPLC system. High resolution spectra for compound verification. Dual source for calibration, and accurate mass assignments. MS/MS capabilities plus Ion Mobility for separation of isomers and different charge states. Mass 50-5000da range.

 Waters Synapt G1, HRes and Ion Mobility, Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer.
Agilent Infinity II, HPLC system. C18 and C8 columns available.

Gas Chromatography - Mass spectrometry GC:MS

The Agilent 7820A Gas Chromatography instrument coupled with the 5975 MSD allows identification of volatile and non-volatile compounds (with proper derivatization) according to their retention times and the mass spectral data compared to different databases. Using multiple GC methods, complex mixtures can be separated, characterized and quantified.

Picture of the Agilent Infinity II, HPLC system

The MSD uses an Electron impact filament to ionize the molecules and a single quadrupole and an electron multiplier to detect the compounds that elute from the GC.

We have a number of these instruments offering different columns, non-polar, polar and chiral. We train and supervise students to use these instruments

Picture of Agilent Infinity II, HPLC system

Methods and applications

Picture of the Agilent Infinity II, HPLC system

Which Mass Spectrometry Method to Use?

Are you looking to analyze fatty acids? Essential oils or proteins? Not sure if you need to use the GC:MS or direct probe? Please visit our detailed guide on which methods/instruments to use.
Mass Spectrometry method and instrument user guide

Contact Us

Chemical facility

Sharon Curtis
[email protected]
D'Iorio Hall - Room 124
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
Tel: 613-562-5800 ext. 604