LC/MS Reagents Range Extended for Highly Stable MS Detection

Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA) has introduced three new ultrapure Fisher Chemical Optima Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) grade reagents that modify the mobile phase to minimise background noise and enhance MS detection. Designed for use with the existing ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range, the new reagents, comprising ammonium formate, ammonium acetate and acetic acid, improve chromatographic peak shape and provide stable analyte signals in a MS detector. Available in a variety of convenient pack sizes, these highly pure new additives ensure accurate and reliable results in LC/MS applications.

The volatile salts, ammonium acetate and ammonium formate are utilised in LC/MS applications to improve ionisation under neutral conditions in ESI-MS, while acetic acid enhances chromatography separation under acidic conditions. These new Optima LC/MS reagents have minimal metal ion content, which limits mass adduct formation, facilitating MS interpretation. In addition, the low impurity levels, confirmed by diode array detection (LC/UV), extend column life. Purity is further enhanced by a new proprietary surface treatment applied to the HDPE bottle for acetic acid, which acts as a barrier between the bottle and acid, preventing contamination by plasticisers. Acetic acid is also available in convenient, ready to use 1mL glass ampules, ensuring the freshest additive for preparing aqueous and organic mobile phases in seconds, while safely eliminating the need to measure corrosive acids.

To ensure optimum quality, product uniformity and purity, the ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range is manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities. Lot-to-lot consistency and high purity across the entire Optima range, including the three new reagents, ensure consistent high standards during LC/MS applications and reproducible results with extremely low background noise.