Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight

Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) combines high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to provide comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex chemical mixtures with superior accuracy. Compounds are first separated chromatographically before ionisation by electrospray (ESI). The quadrupole selectively transmits precursor ions, while the Time-of-Flight analyser measures their exact masses with high resolving power and mass accuracy. Together with accurate isotopic pattern determination and tandem MS/MS fragmentation, LC-QToF enables confident identification of known and unknown compounds in complex matrices.

Our LC-QTOF (Agilent Revident) delivers next-generation HRMS for demanding research applications. The instrument combines exceptional mass accuracy (<1 ppm), high resolving power (>60,000 FWHM), rapid acquisition speeds, and an extended dynamic range to provide confident molecular identification across diverse sample types. Intelligent data acquisition modes, including targeted MS/MS, Auto MS/MS, data-dependent acquisition (DDA), and data-independent acquisition (DIA), maximise analytical coverage for both targeted and non-targeted workflows. Advanced ion optics, robust electrospray ionisation, and Agilent MassHunter software enable reliable molecular formula generation, isotope pattern matching, spectral library searching, and comprehensive structural elucidation with excellent sensitivity and reproducibility.

The LC-QTOF is ideally suited for advanced research requiring high-confidence molecular identification and non-targeted analysis. Applications include pharmaceutical discovery, biomarker identification, environmental contaminant screening, food authenticity and safety, forensic toxicology and natural products research. The instrument excels in the identification of emerging contaminants, transformation products, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides, and other unknown compounds through accurate mass measurement and MS/MS fragmentation.