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Discover exceptional sensitivity and selectivity for ionic and polar analytes
Combine the separation power of ion chromatography with the identification and selectivity of mass spectrometry to help facilitate analytical confidence and dramatically improve your detection capabilities. Ion chromatography with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) helps maximize the ability to detect and quantify unexpected co-elutions of components and to confirm trace components.
Why should I use IC-MS?
From separation to detection and data interpretation, every step of the IC-MS workflow plays a critical role in delivering reliable results. Expand each section below to learn how ion chromatography, mass spectrometry, and data analysis software work together to help you achieve your analytical goals.
When should I use ion chromatography (IC) versus liquid chromatography (LC)?
Ion chromatography is designed to analyze ionic and highly polar compounds such as inorganic ions, small organic acids, amines, carbohydrates, and other polar compounds. IC complements reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) methods by unlocking new capabilities for highly polar and ionic compounds that are difficult to analyze using conventional LC approaches.
Select the right IC system based on your application needs.
Why should I pair a mass spectrometer with my IC system?
IC-MS helps deliver outstanding separation efficiency by:
- Resolving complex ionic and ionizable compounds with greater confidence
- Minimizing co-elution and matrix interferences for cleaner results
- Improving analyte identification and quantification accuracy
- Increasing laboratory productivity, without sacrificing sensitivity
Compared to standalone IC with conductivity detection, IC-MS offers:
- Increased selectivity using SIM and SRM modes
- Increased sensitivity in high ionic-strength matrices
- Reliable quantification of low-abundance analytes
- Reduced detection limits with optimized run times
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Easily master MS for your IC applications. |
Helps achieve precise and accurate quantitation with the high sensitivity and selectivity of MS/MS. |
Enhance sensitivity in trace analyte detection, characterization, and quantitation with high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) data. |
Meet your specific analytical requirements with high quantitative accuracy and precision using advanced, HRAM systems. |
When should I use IC-MS?
IC-MS is exceptionally suited for challenging, high-salt and complex samples. IC retains only ionic/ionizable compounds while in-line suppression removes counterions, delivering cleaner spectra and more stable MS performance. IC-MS provides:
- On-line desalting to help minimize MS signal suppression
- Reduction in salt deposition in the ESI source
- Protection against corrosion and clogging
- Enhanced instrument robustness and uptime
Which mass spectrometer should I use for my IC-MS system?
Select from a range of Thermo Scientific mass spectrometers depending on your analysis needs.
| Mass spectrometer | Analyzer | Mode of operation | MS | MS/MS | Sensitivity | Peak confirmation | Structural elucidation |
| Thermo Scientific ISQ EC MS | Single quadrupole | Single ion monitoring (SIM) |  |
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| Thermo Scientific TSQ Plus MS | Triple quadrupole | Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) | |
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| Therrmo Scientific Orbitrap MS | Orbitrap mass analyzer | High resolution accurate mass (HRAM) | |
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| Themo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid MS | Orbitrap mass analyzer | High resolution accurate mass (HRAM) | |
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IC-MS educational resources
Our general purpose product lines, including LC-MS products, are not intended for in vitro diagnostic purposes in accordance with our product documentation, manuals, and labels. They are designated for General Laboratory Use Only.
Our general purpose product lines have not been tested or validated for such applications and their use for in vitro diagnostic purposes may result in health and safety risks. They are designated for Research Use Only Applications.
For Research Use Only - Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures.
The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris and Excedion series mass spectrometers are Orbitrap instruments with an atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source for liquid chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry (MS) high-throughput applications. The instruments are designed to be placed on a bench in the laboratory and maintain mass accuracy across chromatographic peaks, supporting confident identification and quantitation using high-resolution accurate-mass detection.