Small Molecule Services

We provide mass spectrometry based analysis in fee-for-service format for the Texas A&M University Department of Chemistry, other departments throughout the university, and to researchers outside the university.
Our services include, but are not limited to mass analysis of small molecules including identification and structural elucidation, and mass analysis of macromolecules such polymers, dendrimers, and oligonucleotides. We have summarized our services as follows:

Small and macromolecule analysis

Analyses of small and macromolecules, which involve determination or confirmation of synthesized products, using low or high resolution mass spectrometry, are considered routine analysis. The following analyses methods are applicable for routine small molecule analysis:

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Thermo Scientific DSQ II

  • Low resolution mass measurements of volatile and thermally stable nonpolar compounds
  • Sources: electron ionization (EI), chemical ionization (CI)
  • Mass range: up to 1000 m/z
  • Sample introduction: standard GC sample injection, headspace, and direct probe
  • Service available daily

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

Thermo Scientific QE Focus

  • Separation of analyte mixtures coupled to high resolution mass measurements
  • Sources: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)
  • Mass range: up to 2000 m/z (3000 m/z in high mass mode)
  • Optional MS/MS fragmentation by HCD (higher-energy collisional dissociation)
    • Can confirm structural information
  • Service available daily

Direct infusion mass spectrometry

Thermo Scientific QE Focus

  • Fast, high resolution mass measurement for polar and relatively nonpolar compounds
  • Sources: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)
  • Mass range: up to 2000 m/z (3000 m/z in high mass mode)
  • Service available daily

MALDI-TOF-MS

Bruker microFlex

  • Nominal mass measurements
  • High resolution mass measurements up to 5000 Da
  • Service available daily