Quadropule Ion Trap (QTrap)
The quadropule ion trap (QTrap) is a particular type of triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Please refer to LC-MS-MS for a discussion on the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The Q-Trap adds the ability to conduct (precursor to product to secondary product ion scanning (or MS3) thus providing additional selectivity.
Ideal Uses
- Similar to LC/MS/MS
- Added degree of selectivity
- Trace analysis in:
- Environmental samples (i.e. soil, water, sediment)
- Pharmaceutical analyses (i.e. active ingredient or impurity analyses)
- Biological samples (i.e. crops, livestock tissues, milk, eggs, blood, urine)
- Structure confirmation analyses
- Direct injection MS/MS (no LC separation)
- Analysis of compounds lacking UV chromophores
- Updating existing methodology for higher specificity or sensitivity
Strengths
- High specificity of detector. No need for confirmatory detection method
- High sensitivity. Can detect some compounds below 1 part per trillion
Limitations
- Matrix co-extractants can suppression or enhance ionization potential. May need to employ matrix matched calibrants for quantitation.
- Reproducibility is often not as good as LC-UV or other LC detectors.
- Limited use for large molecules (> 4,000 m/z)
QTRAP Technical Specifications
- Mass analysis of compounds with < ~ 4,000 m/z
- Unit mass resolution
- Can be used with reverse phase LC and normal phase LC
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