Measurements
How to prepare and submit a sample for mass spectrometric analysis and where to find the measured spectra.
Sample submission
- Carefully fill out a separate sample submission form for each sample.
If you have any questions, e. g. regarding the desired ionization method,
do not hesitate to contact us! - Transfer a visible quantity of the sample into a small sample tube.
Please make sure that the outside of the tube and the lid remain clean.
Please do not submit solutions! - Label the sample tube with your name, the name of your working group and a sample code. Please attach a small piece of paper, do not only write on the glass.
The sample code must match the one on the sample submission form!
When attaching the label, make sure that the sample remains visible.
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Sample preparation for LIFDI and LC-MS: Please contact us.
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TLC plates: Please DO NOT use any chemical staining. Mark the spots with a pencil and use the sample submission form to indicate which ones you want to be measured. Please specify a suitable solvent for extraction!
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As former NMR samples can partially deuterated by the NMR solvents, it is not advisable to use them for MS analysis. This results in shifted accurate masses and distorted isotope patterns.
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For sample submission, simply put the sample tube in the MS board in the sample submission room; place the corresponding sample submission form in the box next to it.
If you have samples that need cooling: Please come in and hand them over in person. It woud be best to call ahead (phone: 2656) to make sure we are available.
Sensitive samples
For highly air- and moisture-sensitive samples, we recommend on-demand measurement:
For this purpose, please hand in ONLY the sample submission form without the sample.
We will call you shortly before the measurement so that the sample can be measured directly without waiting time. If possible, please transfer the sample into a mass tube kept under argon, otherwise choose the smallest possible Schlenk tube.
Please make sure to write the correct phone number on the sample submission form.
Measurements for members of other institutes
Employees and students of other institutes of the University of Bonn need to hand in a signed declaration that measurement costs will be covered. Costs are calculated per measurement. Determining an accurate mass by EI is an additional measurement. Please check our User Regulations (in German).
We also carry out measurements for external customers, prices and modalities on request.
Please fill out the sample submission form carefully! The more we know about the sample, the better the measurement and the spectra.
This is particularly true for unknown samples. In this case, please do not merely give us an empty form, but describe reactants, reagents, workup procedures etc. in as much detail as possible!
Indicating the melting point is particularly helpful for EI measurements.
For ESI, APCI, FAB, MALDI and LIFDI measurements, it is crucial to specify at least one solvent that dissolves the sample well.
If you have any doubts, e. g. about the appropriate ionization method:
do not hesitate to ask!
Determining an accurate mass requires greater effort than a simple mass spectrum. Please only tick this box if it is used for the first characterization of a new substance! An accurate mass determination is usually not necessary for later syntheses.
Accurate masses are determined from pure substances exclusively.
If you need MS/MS and LC-MS measurements, please contact us beforehand and explain why you think these are necessary or helpful.
Measurement results
How do I get the spectra?
Your spectrum will be placed in the box next to the sample submission!
A routine sample should take no longer than 1-2 working days, it may take up to one week if we are extremely busy.
A pdf version of the printout is available password-protected directly on Sciebo for MALDI, ESI and APCI spectra, for the other ionization types available on request.
If you have any questions about the spectrum do not hesitate to ask us
- or take a look here: