What Is High Resolution Mass Spectrometry?

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) uses mass spectrometers capable of high resolution, as well as high mass accuracy measurements. These instruments can be used to distinguish between compounds with the same nominal mass, determine elemental compositions, and identify unknowns.

What is high resolution mass spectrometry used for?

High-resolution mass spectrometry: Mass spectrometry in which m/z for each ion is measured to several decimal places (i.e., exact masses are measured, instead of nominal masses). Particularly useful to differentiate between molecular formulas having the same nominal masses.

What does resolution mean in mass spectrometry?

In mass spectrometry, resolution is defined as the ability to separate ion beams that differ in m/e ratio. It is most commonly calculated as m/Δm, where m is the nominal mass (actually m/e) for a particular peak in the mass spectrum, and Δm is peak width at 10 or 50% of the peak height.