Analytical Sciences

Examination of the Best Pressure Range for Ion/Molecule Reactions of Anthraquinones in an External Source Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

Hui-Fen WU,  Chien-Hung CHEN, and Ming-Yi HO

Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui, Taipei Hsien, 25137, Taiwan, R. O. C.

This study outlines some observations of the pressure effect for gas phase ion-molecule reactions of anthraquinone derivatives with dimethyl ether in an external source ion trap mass spectrometer. At the reagent pressure of 7.998 x 10^-2 Pa, formation of the protonated ions, [M + 13]⁺, [M + 15]⁺, and [M + 45]⁺ ions, of anthraquinones can be observed. However, at the pressure of 1.066 x 10^-2 Pa, formation of molecular ions and many fragment ions of the M^+· or [M + H]⁺ ions have been observed. Since the pressure effect is notable within a small range of pressures for many compounds, it is important to draw attention to the use of the ion trap with an external source where other factors such as ion source residence time may play a role. This can also provide some information for better and more careful controls of the reagent pressure in order to obtain fair CI spectra in an external source ion trap mass spectrometer.

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