LAB 5: GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY

(GC/MS)
This lab involves the analysis of different unknown mixtures by high resolution capillary gas chromatography (GC) coupled with an
ion trap detector (ITD). The ITD is a variation of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, and is designed to function specifically as a GC
detector. Due to the design variances of the ITD compared to a true quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ITD mass spectrum of an
organic compound may not be identical (but should be very similar) to its classical electron impact (EI) mass spectrum, such as those
found in the National Bureau of Standards library of mass spectra. The ITD spectrum of the unknown will be compared to the EI
spectra of several different classes of compounds. Thus, the characteristic features of a MS spectrum for a given class may be
recognized, and the chemical structure determined. The NIST 2005 library, which is a software feature of the GC/MS data acquisition
system, will be utilized to confirm the identification of the components of the unknown.

INTRODUCTION
Gas chromatography is a physical method of separation in which the components to be separated are distributed between two phases,
one being a stationary bed of large surface area, and the other a gas that percolates through the stationary bed. When the stationary
phase is a solid, the separation process is more precisely called gas solid chromatography. This technique is generally used to separate
gases in a gaseous solution. The more common technique (which will be used in this experiment) is gas liquid chromatography (GLC)
in which the stationary phase is a porous solid covered with an absorbing liquid. GLC is used to separate a wide variety of organic
compounds.

The basic requirements for GLC are that the sample be volatile and that it not decompose in the vaporization process. Since the
vaporization occurs in an inert atmosphere, decomposition of the sample is generally not a problem.

A basic chromatography instrument consists of the following:

1. A sample port or injector for introduction and vaporization of the sample;

2. A separating column, consisting of metal tubing packed with a solid material coated with a stationary absorbing liquid;
3. A carrier gas, usually N2 or He, to sweep the sample through the column;
4. Flow control equipment to maintain a constant flow of carrier gas through the column;
5. The detector for measuring the quantity of a separated component;
6. Ovens and heaters for temperature control of the column, detector and injector;
7. An integrator or integrator/strip chart recorder combination to provide permanent record of the analysis.

Figure 5.1: Retired Ion Trap GC/MS instrument

Separation of a mixture into its components depends on the solubility differences of the sample vapor in a liquid (the stationary phase).
The stationary phase is coated in a thin layer on solid particles (solid support) of large surface area and then packed uniformly into a
column. A constant flow of the carrier gas passes through the column and transports solute molecules in the gas phase. The column is
wound to fit inside an oven for precise temperature control.

A sample of the analyte is introduced by syringe injection into the heated injector tube, where it is vaporized and mixed with carrier
gas. As the sample vapor is carried through the column by the carrier gas, the analyte partitions between the gas and liquid phases
according to the analyte components' solubility in the liquid at the column operating temperature. This equilibrium partitioning
continues as the sample is moved through the column by the carrier gas. The rate at which the sample travels through the column is
determined by the sample solubility in the stationary phase, the carrier gas flow rate, and the temperature. Each component travels at a

Lab 5.1 Updated 11/11/2018

characteristic rate, and if the column has sufficient length and resolving power, the sample will be completely separated by the time it
reaches the detector.

The detector located at the column exit is the ITD mass spectrometer. It records the total number of ions entering the mass analyzer
from the column. The chromatogram produced is called the total ion chromatogram. Each point in the chromatogram is a mass
spectrum.

Each component is identified by comparing its "retention time", the length of time that it remains in the column, to that of a standard.
The retention time of a vapor depends on the column temperature limits and ramp rate, the column length, type of stationary phase, and
carrier gas velocity. If these variables are kept constant, the retention time of a component may be tentatively identified by comparison
to the retention time of a known standard run under identical operating conditions.

If the response of the detector is linear, the area under a peak accurately represents the quantity of the component present. If it is not,
calibration for detector response to the types of components expected to be in the analyte yields a set of response factors which convert
the reported area percentages to quantitative weight percentages.

For a given gas chromatography column, the van Deemter theory is useful for determining the flow rate, which gives optimum
efficiency at a given column temperature for a particular compound. The van Deemter equation is

B
HET P = A + + Cv (5.1)
v

where A, B, and C are constants and v is the carrier gas flow rate. HETP is the "height equivalent to a theoretical plate," and results
from the treatment of gas chromatographic separations in terms of repeated equilibrations between a moving and a stationary phase.
HETP for a particular gas flow rate is calculated from the total number of theoretical plates (N) and column length (L), i.e.

L
HET P = (5.2)
N

where
2
tR
N = 16[ ] (5.3)
w

where tR is the retention of the component and w is the width of the elution peak at its base. The first term in the van Deemter equation
accounts for eddy diffusion, the second term accounts for molecular diffusion, and the third term accounts for non equilibrium effects
due to flow of the mobile phase. For a particular column at constant temperature, the optimum carrier gas flow rate is that for which the
HETP is a minimum. By measuring the HETP at several linear gas velocities (flow rates), the parameters A, B, and C in eq. (1) can be
determined and the optimum velocity defined.

If the sample contains materials with a wide range of boiling points, separation of all components isothermally is not practical. When
the column is operated at low temperatures, the more volatile components will be distributed between the gas and liquid phases and
will pass rapidly through the column, giving sharp, well-resolved peaks. The high-boiling components, however, will remain dissolved
in the stationary phase and will be eluted very slowly, if at all. Since the vapor pressure of the latter solutes is low, partitioning will
occur over broad bands of stationary phase, resulting in broad, poorly resolved peaks.

If the column is operated at a temperature which gives well-defined peaks for the less volatile components, the low boiling fraction will
pass through the column with very little partitioning into the liquid phase. As a result, it will appear as one or two sharp, poorly
resolved peaks, often with retention volumes approaching the dead space of the column.

By utilizing temperature programming, all the compounds can be eluted at temperatures approximating the ideal temperature for
separation from adjacent solutes. By employing a low initial temperature, the low boiling components will be distributed between both
phases in the column and will appear at the detector as sharp, well resolved bands. The higher boiling fractions will remain 'frozen' at
the injection point. As the column temperature is raised, the vapor pressure of the less volatile components increases and they distribute
themselves between the two phases. As a result, they move down as well defined bands, eluting at characteristic temperatures. By
careful choice of the temperature ramp rate and carrier gas flow rate, each component can be eluted at a temperature approximating the
optimum for separation from adjacent solutes. Although the resolution of closely spaced peaks cannot be improved over that at a single
optimum temperature, the resolution of widely spaced peaks can be improved considerably.

Lab 5.2 Updated 11/11/2018

THE INSTRUMENTATION
The instrument used in this experiment is an Agilent 6890N GC/MS (low resolution mass spectrometer) pictured below. The mass
spectrometer and GC are controlled by Chemstation software on the computer.

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY / MASS SPECTROMETRY

The experiment concerns the actual identification of an unknown using GC/MS. The system you will be using is menu driven. Your TA
will show you how to set up a file and acquire data.

The power of the GC/MS technique comes from the fact that not only are components of a mixture separated and detected
quantitatively, but the detector (the ITD) also provides information concerning the structure of each of the components. Therefore,
compounds can be identified not only by comparing the retention time to a standard, as in conventional GC, but also by its mass
spectrum. An unknown can also be identified in most cases based solely on its mass spectrum, eliminating the need to run standards for
retention time data. Therefore, it is not necessary to know what you are looking for, as in the case of GC.

The chromatography for GC and GC/MS are identical in theory. However, the column used in the GC/MS experiment is a capillary
column as opposed to the packed column used in the GC experiment done in Chemistry 105. A capillary column is simply a long tube
made of glass with a small internal diameter. For this experiment, a 30 cm column with an internal diameter of 0.25 mm is used. The
stationary phase is actually bonded to the interior of the glass capillary, eliminating the need for packing a solid support in the column.
Different columns may have bonded phases of different characteristics depending on the type of separation to be carried out.

After the components of a mixture are separated in the column, they reach the ion trap detector as pure compounds (if the separation
was successful). The compounds are ionized by electron impact (EI) by passing the stream of gas over a beam of electrons accelerated
to an energy of 70 eV. This energy is used to form ions by stripping away an electron, and may break some of the bonds of the
compound. Differing populations of the ions will have differing amounts of internal energy. Some of the molecules will become
ionized but will not fragment, forming a "parent ion". A parent ion, or molecular ion, has the same mass in atomic mass units as the
neutral molecule (it differs by only the mass of an electron). It is the highest mass peak in the spectrum. Many of the ions formed may
have sufficient internal energy to fragment, forming a smaller mass ion and a neutral. (The neutrals formed are not detected. Only ions
are detected). By using the same energy electrons to ionize the compounds, the resulting mass spectra are highly reproducible, not only
on a given instrument, but on other instruments using 70 eV electron impact ionization. In this way, libraries of mass spectral data have
been generated, so that an unknown can be identified by searching through and matching the mass spectra.

Different classes of compounds have some fragmentation characteristics that can be used to help identify unknown compounds. For
example, compounds with many strong bonds, such as aromatic compounds, may be less likely to fragment. These compounds are
characterized by mass spectra which are dominated by a single peak, the molecular ion. Straight chain hydrocarbons, however,
fragment much more easily, and may show little or no abundance of the molecular ion in their mass spectra. Attached to this manual is
a reference describing characteristic fragmentations of various classes of compounds. An excellent reference that describes the
fragmentation of classes of compounds is "Interpretation of Mass Spectra" by Fred McLafferty. Another is "Spectrometric
Identification of Organic Compounds", by Silverstein, Bassler and Morrill. You should use these references, along with your text, to
help explain the mass spectra of your unknown compound(s).

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES FOR GC/MS

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***Winter 2014 and beyond, follow the "6890N GCMS Operation Procedures" below.***

No sample preparation is required for this experiment. You will be provided with 6 standards.

Standard 1: straight alkane

Standard 2: aromatic halide
Standard 3: alkyl halide
Standard 4: aromatic ether
Standard 5: aromatic halide
Standard 6: alkane

You will also be provided with three unknowns that are mixtures of two or more of the above compounds. You will be required to
identify the unknowns provided based on both the mass spectra and retention times of the peaks.

6890N GCMS Operation Procedures

1. Enter the console and locate the GC/MSD icon located in upper left corner of the desktop. Open the GC/MSD by
clicking on the icon (Figure 5.1) if ChemStation is not already running.
2. Allow a few minutes for the software to initialize. The green bar along the bottom of the ChemStation window indicates
action completion. When prompted, Click OK to confirm firmware configuration. Once the software initialization is
complete, the green action bar will read “Welcome to the Enhanced Agilent MSD ChemStation”. The next step is to
load the desired method if it is not already loaded by accessing the method tab. The methods are found following the
tree from D: drive > MSDCHEM > 1 > Methods. Unless directed otherwise, load the
CHE_115_ALS_Default_Split100_9.5MIN.M. The currently loaded method is displayed in the blue bar across the top of
the ChemStation window. For example, the method “CHE_115_ALS_Default_Split100_9.5MIN.M” is loaded as seen in
Figure 5.2. Choose your method and load, loading takes a few minutes. The green action bar will confirm when the
method loading is complete.
3. Make sure the ALS tower is in place. Check the liquid level in your vial standards, they should contain at least half full.
4. Now it is time to set up the analysis by clicking on the green arrow. A new window will open up (Figure 5.4). First, set
the user (or the group) name. Next, set your data pathway by following the tree from D: drive > MSDCHEM > 1 > DATA
> 2014 > CHE 115 > the appropriate folder (Figure 5.3). Name your file making sure to retain the “.D” suffix. The
recommended file naming format is using the date and underscores such as “2014.01.02_standard1”. Add the other
information: user, sample name, info. It is imperative that you enter the correct Vial # . Std 1 is in position 1, 2 in 2...
Unknown (UK) 1 is in position 10, UK2 in 15, UK3 in 20.
5. 5.Click “OK and Run Method” and the GC/MS will begin the automation.

Figure 5.1

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Figure 5.2

Figure 5.3

Figure 5.4

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 6. Once the run begins, you will be prompted to override the solvent delay. NEVER OVERRIDE THE SOLVENT DELAY,
doing so will drastically shorten the lifetime of the filaments inside the Mass Spec, potentially render the instrument
inoperable, and likely result in increased chemistry laboratory fees.
7. As your run progresses and the approximate 3 minute solvent delay has passed, you should see peaks appear in the
smaller sub windows. It is possible to begin data analysis by taking a snapshot in the data analysis program. If not
already open, launch the Enhanced Data Analysis program by clicking on the bottom icon seen in Figure 5.1. Under file
tab of the Enhanced Data Analysis window, choose ‘take a snapshot’. The snapshot of the current run is then
displayed. You can zoom in on a peak or region by clicking and dragging the cursor over the ‘square’ area desired to be
blown up. Within the chromatogram sub window, the cursor becomes a vertical line. Double right clicking on the peak of
interest brings up the mass spectrum in another sub window below the chromatogram (Figure 5.5). Different regions of
the peak can give varying information, therefore it is important to click in several places within the same peak to obtain
the best data. It is possible to take multiple snapshots during a run; however, once the last minute of the run has begun,
the snapshot option becomes unavailable.
8. There is useful data that can be obtained from these sub windows. Notice the peak’s retention time is displayed at the
top of the mass spectrum sub window. The abundance is observed as the X axis of both the chromatogram and mass
spectrum. These abundances should be in the 1x105- 1x106 range. Abundances of 1x107 and greater are too large and
indicate a possible over injection, too concentrated of sample, and/or wrong method. Extremely large abundances will
shorten the filament lifetime. Conversely, abundances less than 1x105 are also not desired and indicate injector
problems, diluted sample, and/or the wrong method. Report abundances that are too high or too low to your TA
immediately.
9. In the mass spectrum sub window, a library comparison search can be performed by double right clicking inside the
lower sub-window. The mass spectrum of the top library hit is displayed under your sample’s mass spectrum for ease of
comparison along with a small table of compound identity, mass values and other datas. It is important to visually
compare the two, often similar spectra with analogous peak passes are comparable but close attention to detail will
discriminate them apart. There is also a confidence measure that is listed under the ‘Qual’ tab, the closer to 100 the
value is the greater the confidence.
10. Make sure to analyze the entire spectrum to insure your snapshot included every peak. Snapshot datas are typically
stored in a ‘snapshot’ folder located on underneath the data file located on the same data path level. The standards
should be single components, while the unknowns are mixtures. Standards will become contaminated as the course
progresses, thus you should consult with your TA and focus on the largest peak. If several peaks are observed of the
relative same abundance, especially in the unknowns, then fresh samples may be required. Again, consult with your
TA.
11. Once your run has completed, you can begin the next sample. The instrument will require a few minutes to return the
GC oven temperature back to the 40 °C starting point. During this time you can work up your data and print your spectra.
Return to #4 and begin the next analysis.

Figure 5.5

***Here is the old procedure***

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1) On the GC front panel, you will set up the program method

1. Build/Modify, method 1, enter

2. Activate, method 1
3. Status

2) On the computer, hit esc utill you come to the main menu. Press I for Instr Control. Edit these parameters:

Mass range 45 to 200 amu (this can be edited by clicking on “SCAN RANGE” or by clicking directly on the number boxes
below “Lo mass” and “Hi mass”)
Scan time 1 second (this can be edited by clicking on the “Control” drop down menu and selecting “Set Scan Rate”)
Mult voltage 1500 V (this can be edited directly on the screne by clicking on the number box below “MULT”)
Background Mass 45 amu (Automatic Gain Control)(this can be edited by clicking on the “Setup” drop down menu and
selecting “AGC Prescan Parameters”)

3) Data Acquisition

1. Press ESC until you are on the first page.

2. Press A (Analysis)
3. Enter data file name and comment.
4. Go to Control Menu and select Acquire Current Entry
5. Wait for the parameters to download to the mass spec

NOTE: Comment should include the name of the sample and important conditions.

**Please do not change any parameters that have been preset on this screen.
6. Use bottle labeled "hexane for washing" to wash the syringe at least 5 times before each run (please do not contaminate the stock
solution). Inject the standard sample (1 uL injection only). You will be shown how to do this effectively.
7. The syringe must be inserted all the way to hit the switch on the injector - this starts data collection.
8. Hit any key to get back to the main menu. The acquisition status bar will show when the scan is finished running. To view your
scan at any time, hit F to load your file. You must use the arrow keys to highlight your file and press enter to load it. Press F2 to
see your chromatogram. Plot scan from 1 to 2000.
9. If you wish to stop your data acquisition, you must be on the Analysis Status window. To get there, select U on the home page.
Once on this window, Ctrl Q with stop the acquisition.
10. When the acquisition is completes, press Reset on the 3400 gas chromatography (make sure both ready light is green and column
temp. is back to initial temp. 40 C before starting another run.)

4) Analyze data (when run is complete, approx. 9-12 mins.)

1. To view your scan, hit F to load your file. You must use the arrow keys to highlight your file and press enter to load it. Press F2 to
see your chromatogram. Plot scan from 1 to 2000. You can print your chromatogram by hitting Alt H.
2. the arrow keys to see the MS for a peak of interest. Hit F1. Alt H will print your spectrum.

5) Perform library search on your sample

1. Press L when you have the spectrum displayed and go directly to the library.
2. Make sure you are in the correct library (NIST05.LBR) and change the molecular weight range (W [MW of parent ion]) or the
mass range as seen in the spectrum (X) if desired.
3. Press ENTER (you can also press R to see the first 10 choices of the library fit).
4. Press F1-F10 to cycle through the first 10 choices.

There are three types of fit that the library search uses: Purity, Fit and Reverse Fit. Read the handout at the mass spec to familiarize
yourself with the different types of fit and their uses.

6) Repeat procedure for the other standard samples and unknown mixtures

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7) You are required to turn in as part of your report:

1. Standards
1. A good chromatogram of each standard sample.
2. A mass spectrum of each standard, that is, 6 total (with labeled peaks).
3. A library fit print out of each known, that is, 6 total.
2. Unknowns (mixture containing 2 or more of the known standards)
1. Chromatographs and mass spectra of all 3 unknown mixtures.
2. Identify each unknown and report.

** Also you can press ESC until you are on the first page, followed by L for library search, or press C to obtain the chromatogram.

REFERENCES
1. Silverstein, R. M.; Bassler, G. C.; Morrill, T. C. Spectrometric Interpretation of Organic Compounds; 4th ed.; Wiley: New York,
NY, 1981.
2. McLafferty, F. Interpretation of Mass Spectra; 3rd ed.; University Science Books: Mill Valley, CA, 1980.

Lab 5.8 Updated 11/11/2018