Stage 1 ionisation Electrospray

Question 1

Electrospray Ionisation
This method is used for substances which have a

Answer 1

higher molecular mass

Question 2

Unlike with electron impact ionisation, fragmentation is

Answer 2

unlikely to happen
This is often called a soft ionisation technique

Question 3

STAGE 1 For this method, the sample is dissolved in a volatile solvent
The solvent is ….

Answer 3

injected into the mass spectrometer using a hypodermic needle
This produces a fine mist or aerosol

Question 4

STAGE 2 The needle is attached to a high voltage power supply, so as the sample is injected,

Answer 4

the particles are ionised by gaining a proton from the solvent
X (g) + H+ → XH+ (g)

Question 5

STAGE 3 The solvent evaporates and the

Answer 5

XH+ ions are attracted towards a negatively charged plate
This accelerates them through the mass spectrometer

Question 6

EXPLAIN WHOLE METHOD