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....

Related questions
Impact of this question
6015 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License