The equation for Electrospray ionisation (mass spectrometry) is: X (g) + H+ ---> XH+(g) yet the sample is dissolved in a volatile solvent, Why is it in Gaseous phase ???

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 11, 2018

I am no mass spectroscopist but....

Explanation:

The sample is presumed to undergo chemical ionization....which is A LOWER ENERGY ionization process than electron ionization (the which would give #X^+#).

The sample is volatilized in some solvent, and sprayed into the mass spectrometer. Clearly, the proton picks a an hydrogen ion from the solvent, to give a charged species that is amenable to mass spectroscopic analysis.

See this site....

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