Problem 14.2

a) In capillary GC-MS, the components are eluting from the chromatographic column comparatively fast. Specify the typical half width of such a peak in seconds.

b) Now, you have to find suitable settings for the scan speed of your mass spectrometer. Suggest a reasonable value.

c) Assume your instrument is scanning from low to high mass. How will your spectra change as elution proceeds? Use the spectrum of benzoquinone below to illustrate the effect.

EI spectrum of benzoquinone
EI spectrum of benzoquinone

d) What can you do to avoid distorted spectra?


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