Agilent Application Note 01636: Mass Spectrometry With Evaporative Light Scattering Detection for Pharmaceuticals

About this manual

This document describes an analytical method combining Mass Spectrometry (MS) with Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (ELSD). It addresses limitations in standard MS analysis, such as poor ionization of certain analytes and matrix effects. The note details how coupling these detectors allows for simultaneous detection or serial/selected detection using a divert valve.

Three specific pharmaceutical applications are presented: the analysis of Haloperidol and its metabolites, the differentiation of Diazepam and Verapamil responses, and the quantitation of Ibuprofen in the presence of B-cyclodextrin. The text provides specific instrument configurations, HPLC conditions, and parameter settings for both the MS and ELSD systems.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Instrumentation
• Materials & Reagents
• Sample Preparation
• HPLC Conditions
• API & MS Parameters
• Results & Discussion
• Conclusion

Frequently asked questions

How does ELSD compare to MS in terms of response for Diazepam and Verapamil?

While these compounds show significantly different responses in full scan MS, they exhibit a relatively equal response in the ELSD detector.

What is the flow rate range compatible with ESI or APCI for this system?

The ELSD has similar operating parameters to LC/MS, utilizing flow rates in the range of 0.2-0.5 mL/min.